Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

1996

Blend

56% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot

Wine designation

Château Cheval Blanc, Red, 1996
Category: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux

Food pairing

A perfect accompaniment for aged parmesan cheese, a filet of veal with a wine reduction sauce or alongside roasted Cornish game hens with truffle butter.

Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

1996

Tasting notes

A year where the quality of the Cabernet franc berry was exceptional, a dense ruby that with a rusty orange glimmer. Giving black currant, prune with a polished vanilla. A complexity that is mirrored by the tannins, remaining tight while showing a certain softness. With good concentration and secondary aromas.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 39 hectares
Soil composition: Quaternary alluvium from the Isle river with clay and gravel.

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Fermented with extreme care, with small batches respected.
Maceration technique: Blend made from 17% pressed wine
Aging: Oak Barrels
16 to 17 months in new barrels
Type of oak: French
Bottles produced: 80 000
Winemaker: Pierre Lurton

Heritage in the vineyard

Domaine

An extensive history tracing back to the 15th century classified at Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Purchased jointly in 1998 by Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault, the buildings and cellars have been renovated while maintaining the exterior landscape. The estate is also listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

Green in the vineyard

Environmental practices

Maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection, Château Cheval Blanc does not employ herbicides, adopting a sustainable viticulture that combines respect for the environment with balanced reasoning.