| Chateau de la Rivière in Fronsac has an impressive history, tracing back its origins to the 8th Century. In fact, it is something of a surprise to discover what history there is that concerns what is now a backwater of the Bordeaux region, languishing in the shadow of the exalted properties of the Medoc, Graves, Pomerol and St Emilion. The site of Chateau de la Rivière was originally a fortified camp, built on the orders of Charlemagne - although there is archaeological evidence of a pre-existing Gallo-Roman settlement before that. Over the centuries that followed the quality of buildings increased, with the most notable addition being a fine turreted chateau, parts of which date back to the 13th century. This stunning Chateau was renovated and "architecturally re-interpreted" by Viollet-Le-Duc in the 19th Century. Jacques Borie must be credited with admirably reconstituting the vineyard, beginning in 1962. |