The Château Bel Air (Ouÿ- Bernard) was classified as a 2nd growth in the district of Saint Etienne de Lisse in Cocks & Féret’s 1868 first edition, with a production of 30 barrels of 900 liters (around 36000 bottles).
In the very rare edition “Saint Emilion and its wines” from the same Cocks & Féret, published in 1881, Belair (Bernard Ouÿ’s misses) was classified as a 1st growth in the district of Saint Etienne de Lisse, still producing 30 barrels.
This cru was sold between 800 and 1200 Francs, while Saint Emilion 1st growths were sold between 1000 and 1400 Francs as futures. In good vintages, the price could double by the time bottles were delivered 3 to 4 years later!
At that time, the vines were planted 1.5 meters (4.92 ft) between each row by 1 meter (3.28 ft) between each stock to allow the plow to pass. For those who were still working manually, vines were planted 1.33 m by 1.33 m (4.36 ft)!
Many techniques, some considered being invented by the “Garagists”, were actually brought back from the past (pinching, deleafing, etc…).
All is said, written in books from that period, even what needs to be done and questions still being asked today.
The price from that period is equivalent to 5000 Euros per barrel as futures, in today’s currency. It would be great if a specialist could convert these 1880 Francs in 2010 Euros.
10 female winemaker on TV
Following their show in the reception hall of the National Assembly (very successful), Murielle and her friends will be on TV in the “Petit Journal People” from Yan Barthès on Canal+ between 7:05 and 7:55 pm.
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