Chateau Canon la GaffeliereProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (B)

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière is a Premier Grand Cru Classé (B) estate located in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Renowned for producing wines of elegance, power, and complexity, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière is a benchmark in the region. Owned by the von Neipperg family, the estate has gained worldwide recognition for its dedication to organic viticulture and winemaking excellence, delivering wines that reflect the unique terroir of Saint-Émilion.

History of Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

The history of Château Canon-la-Gaffelière dates back to the 17th century, with the estate named after the "Chevalier de la Gaffelière," a knight whose family owned the property. In 1971, Count Stephan von Neipperg, whose family has been involved in winemaking for over eight centuries, took ownership of the estate. Since then, the von Neipperg family has transformed Château Canon-la-Gaffelière into one of the most respected properties in Saint-Émilion.

Under Stephan von Neipperg’s leadership, significant investments were made in both the vineyard and the cellar. The estate adopted organic farming practices, and modern winemaking techniques were introduced, resulting in wines that combine the finesse and power characteristic of the Saint-Émilion terroir. Today, Château Canon-la-Gaffelière is recognized as one of the top producers in the region and continues to push the boundaries of quality in Bordeaux.

Terroir of Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière’s 19.5 hectares of vineyards are located at the foot of the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau, on soils rich in clay and limestone, with areas of sandy gravel. This unique terroir is ideal for growing Bordeaux’s classic Right Bank varieties, with the clay-limestone soils providing structure and freshness, while the gravelly topsoil promotes excellent drainage, allowing the vines to thrive even in challenging weather conditions.

The vineyard is planted with 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the estate’s commitment to producing wines that showcase both power and finesse. The high proportion of Cabernet Franc is unusual for Saint-Émilion but gives the wines a distinctive aromatic complexity and structure, contributing to their exceptional ageing potential.

Winemaking at Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

Winemaking at Château Canon-la-Gaffelière is driven by a focus on organic viticulture, precision, and respect for the environment. The estate has been certified organic since 2014, and the team employs sustainable farming practices that enhance the health of the vineyard and the expression of the terroir.

Grapes are hand-harvested in small crates to ensure that they reach the cellar in pristine condition. After sorting, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled wooden and stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours, tannins, and colour. The wines are aged for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with around 50% new oak used each year. This balanced use of oak adds complexity and depth to the wines while allowing the fruit to remain at the forefront.

Style of Wine Produced

Château Canon-la-Gaffelière produces wines that are known for their balance, depth, and refined structure. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with a vibrant bouquet of ripe black fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, complemented by notes of violet, tobacco, and earth. On the palate, the wines offer layers of dark fruit, spice, and minerality, supported by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.

The high proportion of Cabernet Franc gives the wine its distinctive aromatic complexity, adding floral notes and freshness, while Merlot provides richness and texture. The wines are approachable in their youth but have the ability to age gracefully for decades, developing additional complexity over time.