Top châteaux owners awarded Michelin stars

The owners of Bordeaux big guns Château Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus and Pape Clément were toasting new Michelin stars this week.

Gordon’s Ramsay’s Le Pressoir d’Argent at the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux has won a second star

A total of 70 new stars were awarded in the 2017 Michelin guide to France, which were revealed at a ceremony in Paris yesterday.

Haut-Brion’s Le Clarence in Paris

Domaine Clarence Dillon, owner of first growth Château Haut-Brion, was awarded two stars for its Parisian restaurant Le Clarence just two years after opening.

Meanwhile, Le 1947 restaurant at the Cheval Blanc hotel in Courchevel was awarded the top honour of three Michelin stars under head chef Yannick Alléno.

Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal of Château Angélus in St. Emilion, will also be celebrating after the Angélus-owned Logis de la Cadène in St-Emilion gained its first star under 29-year-old rising star Alexandre Baumard.

Angélus’ neighbour, Château Pavie, saw its Hostellerie de la Plaisance upgraded to two stars as news emerged that owner Gerard Perse has snapped up beloved St. Emilion bistro L’Envers du Décor.

Meanwhile, Bernard Magrez’ La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez kept its two stars following the departure of Joël Robuchon and the arrival of Pierre Gagnaire.

Flying the flag for Britain in France, Gordon Ramsay’s Le Pressoir d’Argent as the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux in the centre of the city won its second star.

Ramsay caused a stir last year when he revealed he would be serving English sparkling wine rather than Champagne at the venue.