Château Balestard-La-Tonnelle

Château Balestard La Tonnelle - Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion

The Château Balestard La Tonnelle, a true gem of Bordeaux wines, is a Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion that embodies the richness and elegance of the terroir of this prestigious appellation. Owned by the Capdemourlin family, who also hold two other Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion, Château Cap de Mourlin and Château Petit Faurie de Soutard, this estate is the reflection of centuries of winemaking expertise.

Characteristics of Château Balestard La Tonnelle

• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
• Owner: Capdemourlin Family
• Consulting Oenologist: Michel Rolland, renowned for his expert advice
• Vineyard size: 10.6 hectares
• Grape varieties:
  • Merlot (70%)
  • Cabernet Franc (25%)
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)
• Average vine age: 33 years
• Second wine: Chanoine de Balestard
• Annual production: Variable depending on the vintage, with attention given to each cuvée to ensure exceptional quality.

Terroir and Winemaking

The Château Balestard La Tonnelle benefits from an exceptional terroir, located on the clay-limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion. This mineral-rich soil allows the vines to produce concentrated and high-quality grapes, key elements in crafting powerful and well-balanced wines.

Under the expert direction of the world-renowned oenologist Michel Rolland, the winemaking process at Château Balestard La Tonnelle is meticulously orchestrated. Modern techniques are combined with ancestral traditions to produce wines that perfectly reflect their terroir. The aging process takes place in French oak barrels, giving the wine fine tannins and a beautiful aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes of Château Balestard La Tonnelle

Color: This wine displays a beautiful deep purple color, with garnet highlights indicating its maturity and aging potential.

Nose: The aromatic bouquet is deep and complex, marked by aromas of ripe fruits like black cherry and plum, accompanied by notes of candied fruits and subtle spices. Licorice and vanilla nuances from barrel aging complete this rich and seductive nose.

Palate: On the palate, Château Balestard La Tonnelle is structured and generous. The attack is powerful, followed by a lovely roundness, mainly brought by Merlot. The Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon add freshness and tannic depth, ensuring a long aromatic finish. Flavors of black fruits, cocoa, and lightly oaked notes enhance the overall experience.

Food pairings: This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game, or dishes in sauce. It also goes well with aged cheeses or traditional dishes such as duck confit or Pauillac lamb.

Service Advice and Aging Potential

Château Balestard La Tonnelle is a wine that deserves to be enjoyed after a few years of aging, allowing the tannins to soften and the aromas to fully develop. However, it can be enjoyed now by those who appreciate young and powerful wines.

• Serving temperature: Between 16 and 18°C
• Aging potential: 10 to 20 years depending on the vintage

The Second Wine: Chanoine de Balestard

In addition to the grand vin, the estate also produces a second wine, Chanoine de Balestard. This wine, made from the estate's younger vines, reflects a more accessible style while maintaining the typicity of the terroir. Softer and fruitier, it offers a great alternative for those looking for a quality wine to drink sooner.

Why Choose Château Balestard La Tonnelle?

Château Balestard La Tonnelle represents the excellence of the Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion. Each bottle tells the story of a unique terroir, magnified by the expertise of the Capdemourlin family and the advice of expert Michel Rolland. It is a wine that combines power, elegance, and complexity, perfect for special occasions or for enriching a collector's cellar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the dominant grape variety of Château Balestard La Tonnelle? The dominant grape variety is Merlot, which accounts for 70% of the blend, providing roundness and generosity to the wine.

Who is the consulting oenologist for the estate? The consulting oenologist is Michel Rolland, a renowned figure in the wine world for his expert advice and knowledge.

What is the estate's second wine? The second wine of the estate is Chanoine de Balestard, softer and fruitier, designed to be enjoyed younger than the first wine.

What is the aging potential of Château Balestard La Tonnelle? This wine has an aging potential of 10 to 20 years, depending on the vintage.

What dishes does this wine pair best with? Château Balestard La Tonnelle pairs perfectly with red meats, game, dishes in sauce, and aged cheeses.

How is the wine aged? The wine is aged in French oak barrels, giving it oaky aromas and a beautiful complexity.

Conclusion

Château Balestard La Tonnelle is a remarkable wine, worthy of the greatest crus of Saint-Émilion. Its powerful structure, captivating aromas, and aging potential make it a must-have for any Bordeaux wine enthusiast.