Château Cheval Blanc

History

Château Cheval Blanc's history dates back to the 15th century, with vines first appearing in written records. The estate's modern era began in 1832 when Jean-Jacques Ducasse, President of the Libourne Trade Tribunal, purchased the core vineyard. Over the next two decades, Ducasse acquired small plots from Château Figeac, assembling a 96-acre vineyard. His daughter Henriette married Jean Laussac-Fourcaud, who inherited the property and invested heavily in renovations, including an efficient drainage system and replanting the vineyard to 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. The estate's wines were first sold under the name Château Cheval Blanc in 1851. The reputation of Cheval Blanc's wine soared, with notable medals at international exhibitions, including a gold medal at the 1878 Paris Exposition Universelle. The estate's wines were sold at the same price as the legendary First Growths of the Left Bank by the 1880s. Today, the estate is renowned for its high percentage of exceptional Cabernet Franc grapes and its ancient vines, which contribute to the complexity and character of its wines[1][4][5].

Terroir

Château Cheval Blanc is situated on the border between the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol appellations, offering a unique terroir that combines the finest elements of both regions. The vineyard is divided into three distinct qualities: one third Pomerol, one third Graves, and the remaining third typical Saint-Émilion. This diverse terroir is characterized by a mix of soil types, including clay, gravel, and sandy soils. The estate boasts a nearly equal balance of clay and gravel soils, which contributes to the complexity and character of its wines.

The vineyard is planted with a composition of grape varieties, primarily 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The presence of Cabernet Franc, particularly in the older vines dating back to 1920, plays a pivotal role in the winemaking philosophy. The unique combination of old vines and distinctive terroir contributes to the complexity and elegance of Cheval Blanc's wines. The microclimate, characterized by a slightly warmer and precocious nature, enhances the quality of the Cabernet Franc, allowing it to express the full spectrum of flavors and aromas[1][4].