Chateau CanonProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Chateau Canon, perched on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, is a shining example of Bordeaux's Right Bank excellence. This Premier Grand Cru Classé estate is renowned for producing wines that seamlessly blend power with elegance, capturing the essence of its unique terroir. With a history that spans over two centuries, Château Canon has established itself as one of the most esteemed names in Saint-Émilion, consistently delivering wines that are celebrated for their finesse, depth, and remarkable ageing potential.

The history of Château Canon dates back to the early 18th century when it was established by Jacques Kanon, a French naval officer. Kanon purchased the vineyards in 1760 and laid the foundations for what would become one of the region's most iconic estates. The property later passed through several hands until it was acquired by the Wertheimer family, owners of the Chanel fashion house, in 1996. The Wertheimers brought with them a commitment to quality and luxury that has helped Château Canon reach new heights in the modern era.

Under the stewardship of the Wertheimer family, significant investments have been made in both the vineyard and the winery, ensuring that Château Canon continues to produce wines of the highest calibre. The appointment of Nicolas Audebert as winemaker further solidified the estate's reputation. Audebert, with his extensive experience in Bordeaux and beyond, has been instrumental in refining the estate's winemaking approach, focusing on precision and the expression of terroir.

The Terroir of Chateau Canon

The terroir of Château Canon is one of its most prized assets. The estate's 34 hectares of vineyards are located on the limestone plateau and slopes that define the Saint-Émilion appellation. This terroir is characterised by its rich limestone soils, which are interspersed with clay. The limestone provides excellent drainage and a natural source of minerals, contributing to the vibrancy and freshness of the wines. The clay, on the other hand, retains moisture, ensuring that the vines are well-nourished even during dry periods, which adds to the richness and depth of the wines.

Merlot is the dominant grape variety at Château Canon, making up about 70% of the vineyard, with the remainder planted with Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate's commitment to capturing the essence of Saint-Émilion, where Merlot provides opulence and roundness, while Cabernet Franc adds structure, aromatic complexity, and a hint of spice.

The estate's location on the plateau offers excellent exposure to sunlight, which, combined with the cooling influence of the Dordogne River, creates a microclimate that is ideal for grape ripening. The vines, some of which are over 80 years old, are carefully tended using sustainable practices that respect the environment and enhance the expression of the terroir.

Winemaking at Chateau Canon

In the cellar, the focus is on preserving the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and concrete vats. This approach allows for precise temperature control and gentle extraction of tannins. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, with about 50% new oak used each year to add subtle complexity and structure without overpowering the natural flavours of the fruit.

Chateau Canon's wines are known for their elegance, with a perfect balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. They are approachable in their youth but also possess the structure and depth to evolve beautifully over decades, revealing layers of complexity as they mature.