Château Cheval Blanc

Hardly any other country in the world is associated with good wine like France. The southwestern part of the country particularly stands out, where the Château Cheval Blanc can be found in Saint-Émilion. It is one of the four best wineries in the region with excellent quality, producing top-quality wines with the highest Premier Grand Cru Classé A rating.
The estate has existed since 1852 and was owned by the same owners until 1998. Due to the affiliation of the winery to the adjacent Figeac estate, it was initially known under the name Vin de Figeac. However, this was to change, and a short time after the renaming, the Cheval Blanc achieved its first international awards, which were followed by others.

Since 1998, Bernard Arnault from France and Baron Albert Frère from Belgium have been running the around 131 million euro winery with great passion. Traditions and modernity play a major role that have led the wine to world fame. The Cheval Blanc can count itself as an honorary member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and produces various wines that are subject to the highest quality standards and are simply inspiring.

Winemakers use these types of wine

The Cheval Blanc takes a rather unusual approach, which is reflected in the unique end result. Unlike the surrounding winegrowers, Carbenet franc is increasingly used, which provides a particularly high level of acidity. Added to this is a 40 percent proportion of Merlot, which is joined by a minimal proportion of Carbenet Sauvignon. Together they create a Bordeaux with exceptional aromas reminiscent of black currant, roasted coffee beans and cinnamon.

The priority for the winemaker is not only the quality, but also the harvest of the three individual grape varieties. The harvest of the grapes is subject to an exceptionally tight schedule and must not happen too early or too late on the winery. Depending on the grape variety, the grapes are collected in individual containers in barrique barrels and carefully processed. But it can be decades before a Bordeaux develops its unique scents and aromas.

The growing area

The cultivation area is around 39 hectares in size and is located in the immediate vicinity of the manor house. While the other châteaux in Saint-Émilion grow on a limestone plateau, the winery relies on pebbles and clay. The particular characteristics of the vineyard are due to the Isle River, which formed the Massif Central during the Günz Ice Age. The conditions that the soil provides are decisive and necessary for the excellent and unique cultivation of the Carbenet franc.

Features and anecdotes

Since 1954, the winery has received the top award Premier Grand Cru Classé A at least once in a decade. Since then, the individual generations have ensured that the family business maintains this first-class quality and long tradition. It is therefore no wonder that the top wines are traded at a liter price of around 1000 to 1500 euros or more.

Although the Cheval Blanc wine is not a proven organic wine, no herbicides, pesticides or copper are used to combat pests or rot.

The fine drop has not only managed to convince various wine connoisseurs, but has also won over film producers and thus the screens in the cinemas: Due to its high and exclusive reputation, the animated film Ratatouille (2007) by the restaurant critic Anton Ego ordered a 1947 Cheval Blanc. The wine is actually considered to be one of the best on the estate, and to this day it fetches high prices if stored well.