Chateau Calon SegurProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Third Growth

Château Calon-Ségur, one of the most venerable estates in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, is steeped in history and tradition. Known for its heart-shaped label, a symbol of the estate’s deep connection to its terroir and legacy, Calon-Ségur produces wines that are the epitome of Saint-Estèphe’s power, structure, and longevity. With roots that date back to the 12th century, the estate has been a prominent player in Bordeaux winemaking for centuries, consistently delivering wines that capture the essence of its exceptional terroir.

The name "Calon" derives from the old French word for a small boat used to transport wood across the Gironde estuary. The estate's true rise to prominence, however, came in the 18th century under the ownership of the Marquis de Ségur. Often referred to as the "Prince of Vines," the Marquis de Ségur owned some of the most prestigious properties in Bordeaux, including Château Lafite and Château Latour. Despite these illustrious holdings, he famously declared, "I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is at Calon." This declaration of love for Calon-Ségur is immortalised in the heart symbol that adorns every bottle, a testament to the estate’s enduring legacy.

In 1855, Château Calon-Ségur was classified as a Third Growth in the Bordeaux Classification, a recognition of its outstanding quality and the potential of its terroir. Today, the estate is owned by the Suravenir insurance company, which has invested heavily in both the vineyards and the winery, ensuring that Calon-Ségur continues to produce wines that are among the finest in Saint-Estèphe.

The Terroir of Château Calon-Ségur

The terroir of Château Calon-Ségur is central to its identity and the quality of its wines. The estate's 55 hectares of vineyards are situated on the northernmost tip of the Médoc, in the heart of Saint-Estèphe. The terroir is characterised by its deep gravel soils, which are interspersed with clay and limestone. These gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, which is crucial for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety at Calon-Ségur. The clay and limestone add a distinct mineral complexity to the wines, contributing to their structure and ageing potential.

Cabernet Sauvignon makes up around 53% of the vineyard, with Merlot accounting for 38%, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot rounding out the blend. This composition reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the essence of Saint-Estèphe, where Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone of the wine, while Merlot adds richness and suppleness. The inclusion of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc enhances the aromatic complexity and depth of the wines.

The proximity of the vineyards to the Gironde estuary plays a vital role in the microclimate, helping to moderate temperatures and protect the vines from frost. This unique combination of soil and climate conditions allows Château Calon-Ségur to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Calon-Ségur

In the winery, tradition is respected, but innovation is also embraced. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a meticulous sorting process to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and wooden vats, allowing for precise temperature control and gentle extraction of tannins. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, with around 50% new oak used each year to add complexity and depth.

The result is a wine that is quintessentially Saint-Estèphe—deep in colour, with firm tannins and a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite. Château Calon-Ségur’s wines are known for their ageing potential, evolving beautifully over time to reveal layers of flavour and texture.