Calon Ségur

History of Château Calon Ségur

Château Calon Ségur traces its roots back to the Middle Ages. As early as 1147, archives mention the existence of this property, then owned by Monseigneur de Calon, an influential bishop. In the 18th century, the estate became the property of Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, nicknamed the "Prince of Vines". Ségur, who also owned the prestigious Châteaux Lafite and Latour, declared: "I make my wine at Lafite and at Latour, but my heart is at Calon." This quote would inspire the current label of Calon Ségur bottles, adorned with an emblematic heart, symbolising the marquis's unwavering attachment to this land.

Classified as a Third Growth during the famous 1855 classification, the estate passed through the centuries under the management of the Gasqueton family until 2012, when it was acquired by the insurance group Suravenir, a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa. Since this acquisition, the estate has benefited from major investments, particularly under the impetus of Vincent Millet, technical director, who works to modernise the infrastructure while preserving the unique character of Calon Ségur wines.

The 2020 and 2018 vintages of Château Calon-Ségur were hailed by Robert Parker with a 97/100, reflecting the elegance and power of this Saint-Estèphe cru classé.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Calon Ségur

What truly distinguishes Château Calon Ségur is the exceptional nature of its terroir located on the left bank. Although its altitude does not exceed 13 metres, the estate benefits from a marked relief and slopes favouring optimal drainage of rainwater. The soils consist of a thick layer of Quaternary gravel, deposited by the river over time, resting on a clay subsoil. This combination of gravel and clay, unique in the region, contributes to the structure and finesse of the wines produced here.

The 55-hectare vineyard, in one piece and entirely enclosed by a wall, is planted with the four classic Médoc grape varieties: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the king grape variety of the appellation, is particularly distinguished in the blend, with a replanting programme that will bring it to 70% by 2032. The average age of the vines is 22 years, giving the grapes a rare aromatic richness and depth.

The geographical location of the estate, close to the Gironde estuary, creates a microclimate favourable to the slow and regular maturation of the grapes. The different plots, spread over gravel outcrops and gentle slopes, benefit from ideal exposure to guarantee quality harvests, often among the last in the region due to the coolness of the terroirs.

Vinification at Château Calon Ségur

The vinification process at Château Calon Ségur reflects the meticulous attention paid to every detail to best express the potential of the terroir. The harvest is carried out manually, with rigorous sorting of the bunches at several stages, in order to select only the ripest and healthiest grapes. Gravity is used to transport the berries to the vats, thus minimising any risk of oxidation or alteration.

The modern vat room, consisting of 75 stainless steel vats of different capacities, allows for plot-by-plot and intra-plot vinification. Each batch of grapes is thus vinified separately, according to its characteristics, in order to make the best use of each terroir. Fermentation is controlled at a precise temperature, and a co-inoculation technique (simultaneous fermentation of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria) optimises the transformation of sugars and acids into alcohol, while preserving the freshness and balance of the wine.

Ageing then takes place in French oak barrels, 100% new for the Grand Vin, for 18 to 20 months. This ageing method, respectful of the raw materials, allows for a harmonious integration of the wood tannins with those of the grape, thus offering wines that are at once powerful, elegant and of great finesse.

The Cuvées of Château Calon Ségur

Château Calon Ségur offers three main cuvées, each reflecting a unique expression of the Saint-Estèphe terroir.

The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur

The Grand Vin of Calon Ségur is a wine of rare elegance, a true mirror of its terroir. Composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, it embodies power, finesse and longevity. Recent vintages, marked by great fruit maturity, reveal intense aromas of black fruits on the nose, accompanied by woody and spicy notes, revealing an impressive tannic structure. On tasting, the wine shows generosity, with a silky texture and a long finish, offering a perfect balance between freshness and complexity.

Le Marquis de Calon Ségur

Le Marquis de Calon Ségur, the estate's second wine, is distinguished by a blend more marked in Merlot (up to 75%), giving it immediate roundness and deliciousness. This wine is designed to provide more accessible pleasure in its youth, while maintaining a beautiful aromatic depth. The aromas of ripe red fruits, the velvety texture and the subtly woody finish make it a perfect wine for more relaxed tastings, while recalling the elegance of the Grand Vin.

Le C de Calon Ségur

Formerly known as "La Chapelle de Calon", then "Le Saint-Estèphe de Calon Ségur", Le C de Calon Ségur is the estate's third wine. Produced mainly from young vines, this wine is distinguished by its freshness and vibrant fruitiness. With a balanced blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is designed to be consumed quickly, offering a beautiful expression of the Calon terroir in a more accessible and ready-to-drink style. It's a convivial wine, ideal for informal occasions.

Château Capbern

Château Capbern, another property of Calon Ségur, also offers high-quality wines from the same exceptional Saint-Estèphe terroirs. With a grape variety dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Château Capbern wines offer a beautiful concentration of fruit, a solid tannic structure and a long finish. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels, these wines are an excellent introduction to the world of Saint-Estèphe grands crus.

The best Bordeaux vintages are essential references for collectors and lovers of great wines. Among the most remarkable are the following vintages: 1945, 1947, 1949, 1953, 1959, 1961, 1975, 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005, 
2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020...

We invite you to discover the various Third Growth Classified Châteaux, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Set out to encounter the great terroirs of Margaux with the prestigious Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferrière, Château Giscours, Château d'Issan, Château Kirwan, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Château Marquis d'Alesme and Château Palmer. Continue your journey with the wines of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Château Lagrange and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien, not forgetting the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises you an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of Médoc wines.

Château Calon Ségur is much more than just a wine estate. It is a place where history, nature and the art of winemaking intertwine to give birth to wines of rare authenticity and exceptional finesse. Whether through its Grand Vin, the Marquis de Calon Ségur or the C de Calon Ségur, each bottle expresses the soul of this unique terroir. Thanks to ancestral know-how, reinforced by modern techniques and a commitment to the environment, Calon Ségur continues to seduce fine wine enthusiasts from around the world. For those looking to discover or enrich their cellar with a wine that is both vibrant and elegant, Château Calon Ségur is an essential choice.