There are some wines that simply command attention. Chateau Cheval Blanc is one of those wines. This winemaker, based in Saint-Émilion, France, has a history that dates back to the 1700s. In this blog post, we will discuss five interesting facts about Chateau Cheval Blanc. If you are a wine lover, or if you are just looking to learn more about some of the world's most famous winemakers, then this post is for you!
It used to be part of Chateau Figeac
Chateau Cheval Blanc was once part of the Chateau Figeac estate. However, in 1838 it became its own entity when it was purchased from Figeac by the original owners, the Ducasse family.
Chateau Figeac reached 200 hectares at its largest and its eventual breakup divided the estate among many different smaller vineyards. Chateau Cheval Blanc was one of those properties.
It’s one of the few vineyards in Saint Emilion to plant Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc makes up the majority of the vineyard plantings at Chateau Cheval Blanc. In fact, it’s one of the few Saint Emilion properties to have Cabernet Franc as its main grape variety.
Saint Emilion estates are better known for their Merlot-based wines, so Cabernet Franc gives Chateau Cheval Blanc a unique flavour profile.
The Estate is split between Saint Emilion and Pomerol
Part of the estate is in Saint Emilion, and the other part is located in Pomerol. This split gives the winery a bit of an advantage, as it can source grapes from different terroirs to make its wine.
Pomerol is famous for its blue clay soils, which are thought to give the wines from this region a unique flavour.
Saint Emilion is known for its limestone soils, which impart a different character to the wine.
It’s one of only four Premier Grand Cru Classe (A) estates in Saint Emilion
Chateau Cheval Blanc is one of only four Premier Grand Cru Classe (A) estates in the Saint Emilion appellation. This means that it’s one of the best wineries in the region, and its wines are some of the most sought-after in the world.
The other estates include Chateau Ausone, Chateau Angelus and Chateau Pavie, all of which are also highly rated.
The wine has a unique flavour
The wines from Chateau Cheval Blanc are known for their unique flavour, which is a result of the combination of grapes from different terroirs. The blue clay soils in Pomerol impart a certain minerality to the wine, while the limestone soils in Saint Emilion give it a more earthy character. This makes for a wine that is both complex and full-bodied.
The unique flavour of the wine has made it a favourite among wine collectors and connoisseurs. In fact, in 2004, a bottle of Cheval Blanc was sold at auction for $156,000 USD!
So there you have it, five facts about Chateau Cheval Blanc that you may not have known. If you’re a wine lover, be sure to add this winery to your list of must-visits!
