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Now Viewing: Chateau Pavie
The origin of the estate can be traced back to 1540 and the first recorded owner was François de Lescours . The manor house was constructed in 1684 by Jacques de Gères and during the aegis of his grandson, General Jacques-Amédée de Carles, the estate began to prosper. The reputation was cemented by Comte de Vassal-Montviel who acquired Monbousquet in 1858 and expanded the vineyard to 32-hectares on fine gravel soils but was compelled to relinquish ownership in 1877 due to financial debts. During the first half of the 20th century its reputation diminished through the onset of war and economic malaise, but was revitalised by Daniel Querre when he purchased the estate in 1945. The distinguished oenologist sought to re-establish the name and his efforts were sustained by his sons: Alain, Francois and Jean when they took the reins. It looks as if they succeeded since "Féret" described Monbousquet as among the best Saint Emilion Grand Crus in their 13th edition. In 1993 came they made the pivotal decision to sell the estate to Gérard Perse , a self-made Parisian millionaire who had started his own grocery business and established a chain of profitable supermarkets that were sold to finance his ambition to own an reputed "name" on the Right Bank. He introduced radical, controversial vinification techniques that are outlined below and he duly enlisted Michel Rolland as consultant.
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