Les Terrasses de Saint Christophe, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Area:

South of Pomerol lies the medieval, perched village of St Emilion. Saint Emilion could be the oldest active wine-producing appellation in the Bordeaux region with a history that dates back to the times of the ancient Romans. Numerous Roman ruins are scattered all over the St. Emilion appellation. Surrounding St Emilion are vines that produce round, rich and often hedonistic wines. Despite a myriad of soil types, two main ones dominate - the gravelly, limestone slopes that delve down to the valley from the plateau and the valley itself which is comprised of limestone, gravel, clay and sand.

Producer:

Château Tour Saint-Christophe is a St.-Emilion Grand Cru, named after commune of Saint Christophe des Bardes.  It was purchased by financier and wine estate owner Peter Kwok in 2012, since which time the size of the vineyard has been increased from 6.5 to around 20 hectares.  Kwok also owns (amongst others), Enclos Tourmaline and Bellefont-Belcier. The terroir is clay and limestone soils and neighbours Le Tertre-Roteboeuf and Troplong Mondot. The vineyard is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc at at a density of 6,500 - 7,500 vines per hectare. Vines are managed using organic and biodynamic techniques. 50% of the wine is vinified using micro vinification.  The other half is fermented in 60% new, French oak barrels and aged for 18 months. Michel Rolland is the consultant oenologist.