Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2012

Blend

53% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc

Wine designation

Château Cheval Blanc, Red, 2012
Category: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 1er Grand Cru Classé A, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Pairs well with tournedos with truffle sauce and button mushrooms, roast lamb – châteaubriand with foie gras sauce, Cantal, Brie de Meaux, and Salers cheeses.

Data sheet

Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2012

Tasting notes

Crimson red with purple highlights. Nose of great aromatic purity, with intermingling red and black fruits and a delicate floral register. Freshness (mint, eucalyptus) and minerality (graphite) complete the nose. Clean, powerful attack followed by a mid-palate of melted, perfectly unctuous tannins. Incredible length for a delicate, coated finish.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 39 hectares

Soil composition: Quaternary alluvium from the Isle river with clay and gravel.

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Prior to vinification, cuves were bled by 13%

Maceration technique: Vatting time between 23 to 31 days, 2 egg whites per barrel for fining before filtration.

Aging: Oak barrels

16 months in new oak barrels.

Type of oak: French

Bottles produced: 92 516

Winemaker: Pierre-Olivier Clouet

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. Inaugurated in 2011, the Cheval Blanc winery was awarded the H.Q.E. label, highly significant environmental. A certification that recognizes building material choice, energy savings, water management and waste storage as well as employee safety.