Chateau L'EvangileProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château L'Évangile is one of the most revered estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of exceptional depth, richness, and complexity. Although not included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, L'Évangile is widely recognized as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that dates back to the 18th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château L'Évangile is a true benchmark for the appellation.

History of Château L'Évangile

The history of Château L'Évangile dates back to the early 18th century when the estate was established by the Léglise family, who were among the pioneers of viticulture in Pomerol. The estate quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and by the 19th century, it was considered one of the top properties in the appellation. The name "L'Évangile" was inspired by the estate’s location near the church of Saint-Jean in Pomerol.

In the 20th century, Château L'Évangile was acquired by the Ducasse family, who managed the estate for several decades. In 1990, the estate was purchased by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), who have since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery. Under the direction of the Rothschild family, Château L'Évangile has continued to thrive, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, concentration, and ageing potential.

The Terroir of Château L'Évangile

The terroir of Château L'Évangile is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 22 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Merlot, which is the dominant grape variety at L'Évangile, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château L'Évangile to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 70% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, 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.