Chateau Cheval BlancProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Château Cheval Blanc, one of the most celebrated and revered wine estates in the world, stands as a symbol of unparalleled quality in Bordeaux’s Right Bank. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the highest classification in Saint-Émilion, Cheval Blanc has consistently produced wines of remarkable finesse, complexity, and longevity. The estate’s unique terroir, combined with a commitment to excellence, has made Cheval Blanc a benchmark for Merlot and Cabernet Franc-based wines, admired by collectors and connoisseurs globally.

History of Château Cheval Blanc

The history of Château Cheval Blanc dates back to the 19th century, though the land has been cultivated since at least the 15th century. The estate as it is known today was formed in 1832, when a portion of the Figeac estate was purchased by Jean-Jacques Ducasse. Over time, the estate passed through several hands, each contributing to the development of its vineyards and reputation.

The real turning point for Château Cheval Blanc came in 1852 when it was acquired by the Fourcaud-Laussac family. Under their ownership, the estate began to gain recognition for its wines, and by the early 20th century, Cheval Blanc had established itself as one of the leading producers in Saint-Émilion. This reputation was further solidified in 1954 when Cheval Blanc was awarded Premier Grand Cru Classé A status, a rank it has maintained ever since.

In 1998, the estate was purchased by Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH, and Belgian businessman Albert Frère. Together, they have invested significantly in modernizing the winery while preserving the estate’s historical legacy. Today, Château Cheval Blanc is managed by Pierre Lurton, a renowned winemaker who has continued the estate’s tradition of excellence.

The Terroir of Château Cheval Blanc

The terroir of Château Cheval Blanc is one of the estate’s most defining features, contributing significantly to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 39 hectares of vineyards are located on the border between Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, a position that allows Cheval Blanc to benefit from the best of both appellations. The vineyards are planted on three distinct types of soil: gravel, clay, and sandy clay, which provide a diverse range of conditions that contribute to the complexity of the wines.

Château Cheval Blanc’s vineyard is planted with 58% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. This unusual blend for the Right Bank reflects the estate’s dedication to capturing the full potential of its terroir. Cabernet Franc, which thrives in the gravelly soils, provides structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity, while Merlot adds richness, suppleness, and depth. The small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon contributes additional structure and ageing potential.

The unique combination of soils, along with the estate’s meticulous vineyard management, allows Château Cheval Blanc to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully for decades. The diversity of the terroir also means that each vintage of Cheval Blanc is a true reflection of the conditions of that year, resulting in wines that are always distinctive and complex.

Winemaking at Château Cheval Blanc

Winemaking at Château Cheval Blanc is a process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 22 months, with about 100% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and structure, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.