Cheval Blanc

History of Château Cheval Blanc

The history of Château Cheval Blanc truly begins in 1832 when Jean-Jacques Ducasse acquired part of the estate of the famous Château Figeac, located on the border of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. This was a decisive turning point for the estate, which would become an emblem of Bordeaux viticulture. Under the direction of Jean Laussac-Fourcaud, who married Henriette Ducasse in 1852, the estate took shape and adopted an unprecedented grape variety composition: 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, a bold choice for the time. This singularity helped forge Cheval Blanc's unique identity.

During the second half of the 19th century, Château Cheval Blanc experienced a meteoric rise. In 1862, the estate won its first medal at the Universal Exhibition in London, before triumphing in Paris and Antwerp. These distinctions helped establish the estate's international reputation. Over the decades, Cheval Blanc continued to shine among the greatest Bordeaux growths, alongside prestigious estates such as Margaux and Lafite.

The modernisation of the estate continued in the 20th century with the construction of new cellars and the adoption of innovative drainage techniques. In 1998, Château Cheval Blanc was acquired by Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère, who entrusted its management to Pierre Lurton, an emblematic figure also in charge of Château d'Yquem. Under their impetus, Cheval Blanc remains faithful to its heritage while resolutely turning towards the future.

In 2021, Château Cheval Blanc made the bold decision to withdraw from the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" classification of Saint-Émilion, thus asserting its desire to focus on the authenticity of its terroir and the quality of its wines, rather than meeting established evaluation criteria.

Château Cheval Blanc has been awarded 100/100 by Robert Parker for its 2009, 1998, 2010, 2005, 2015, 2016 and 2019 vintages, testifying to its consistent excellence. The 1982, 1948 and 2000 followed with 99/100, and the 2018, 1990, 1950 and 1921 vintages received 98/100.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Château Cheval Blanc

The terroir of Château Cheval Blanc is one of the most fascinating in Saint-Émilion, characterised by a mosaic of soils that contributes to the complexity and richness of the wines. Located on the Quaternary alluviums of the Isle, on the border with Pomerol, the estate benefits from a unique geological diversity. Three main types of soil coexist on the 42 hectares of vineyards: clays, gravels, and sands. This balanced distribution gives Cheval Blanc wines distinct organoleptic characteristics.

Cabernet Franc, the estate's king grape variety, makes up 55% of the plantings, complemented by 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each plot of the vineyard has its specificities, linked to the nature of the soil, its age, and the grape variety cultivated there. The clay soils give velvety and powerful tannins, while the gravels bring finer aromas and great elegance. This unique marriage of soils and grape varieties allows Cheval Blanc to produce powerful yet always balanced wines of rare aromatic complexity.

Another fundamental aspect of the estate is its commitment to sustainable viticulture. No herbicides have ever been used on the vineyard. In 2021, Château Cheval Blanc took a new step by publishing a manifesto in favour of agroforestry, advocating polyculture and the return of biodiversity to the estate's lands. The cessation of ploughing and the cultivation of living soils are now at the heart of Cheval Blanc's ecological approach.

Vinification at Château Cheval Blanc

Vinification at Château Cheval Blanc is a meticulous process that reflects the constant quest for perfection. Each plot is vinified separately in thermo-regulated concrete vats, allowing the full expression of each terroir's potential. This particular care taken in vinification makes it possible to preserve the singularity of each grape variety and to guarantee exceptional complexity in the final blends.

The estate has 67 vats of different sizes, designed to adapt to the particularities of each plot. This plot-by-plot approach is essential to maintain the exceptional quality of the wines. After fermentation, which takes place in a traditional manner, the wine is aged for between 16 and 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This long stay in barrels gives Cheval Blanc wines a harmonious structure and silky tannins, while favouring the evolution of aromas.

In addition, the estate has undertaken a series of innovations in recent years aimed at further improving the quality of its wines. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon to the grape varieties, although modest (5%), allows for a new dimension to be added to the blends, bringing freshness and structure. Malolactic fermentation is carried out directly in vats to preserve the purity of the fruit and guarantee wines of great finesse.

The cuvées of Château Cheval Blanc

Château Cheval Blanc is famous for producing exceptional wines, recognised for their finesse, aromatic complexity, and longevity. The estate offers several cuvées, each expressing the unique characteristics of its terroir.

Château Cheval Blanc

The estate's main cuvée, a wine of unparalleled elegance and power. This former Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" is made from the best plots of the estate and benefits from prolonged ageing in barrels. Cheval Blanc wines are renowned for their ability to age for several decades while retaining their freshness and brilliance.

Le Petit Cheval

The estate's second wine, Le Petit Cheval is made from young vines and selected plots. It offers a more accessible expression while retaining the refined imprint of its big brother. This wine is ideal for those who wish to discover the world of Cheval Blanc while enjoying a wine that is ready to drink.

Le Petit Cheval - Le Blanc

Since 2016, Château Cheval Blanc has also been producing an exceptional white wine, Le Petit Cheval Blanc. Made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this rare wine combines freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity, testifying to the estate's expertise in producing high-quality white wines.

Saint-Émilion, a jewel of the Bordeaux wine region, has produced vintages of exceptional quality over the years, delighting connoisseurs of fine wines. Among the legendary vintages, one can cite 1947, 1959, and 1961, true icons that have marked the history of Bordeaux wines. The famous 1982 remains an undisputable reference. The following decades were equally impressive, with remarkable vintages such as 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005, all acclaimed for their richness and ageing potential. More recently, the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 vintages have shone through their balance and depth, reaffirming Saint-Émilion's reputation as one of Bordeaux's most sought-after appellations, where each new year continues to captivate fine wine enthusiasts with its consistent quality and elegance.

Discover the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé A wines of Saint-Émilion, true jewels of the Right Bank vineyards. Among them, Château Pavie, promoted in 2012, continues to shine with the exceptional quality of its wines. More recently, in 2022, Château Figeac joined this exclusive circle, confirming its place among the elite. Other estates, although no longer part of this classification since 2022, continue to inspire admiration from wine enthusiasts: Château Angélus, Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, all synonymous with tradition and excellence.

Château Cheval Blanc is much more than just a wine estate. It is a living legend, a historical heritage, and a key player in the evolution of Bordeaux viticulture. Thanks to its unique terroir, atypical grape varieties, and avant-garde vinification methods, the estate continues to produce exceptional wines that seduce wine lovers around the world. Whether through its great growths or its more accessible cuvées, each Cheval Blanc wine offers an incomparable sensory experience, synonymous with excellence and elegance.