This magnificent property of 10.6 hectares (26.5 acres) is situated above Saint-Emilion, on the limestone-clay plateau. The Chateau is located just a half a mile from the gates of the medieval village, and the name "Balestard" means chanoine or religious canon of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion, and "Tonnelle" represents the ancient 15th century watch tower that still stands in the middle of the vineyard and is the emblem of the estate.
The creation of this vineyard dates from the 15th century. During that time, François Villon praised the qualities of the wine from Château Balestard la Tonnelle in a poem, which can be seen on the label.
Long-time held by the Berthauts-Couture family, Château Balestard la Tonnelle was sold in 1923 to Mr Berthon, grandfather of Jacques Capdemourlin, the current owner and former student of Emile Peynaud, oenologist at the Faculté d'Oenologie in Bordeaux
Technical facts
Location: Saint-Emilion - France
Creation of vineyard: 15th century
Area under vines: 10.6 hectares (26.5 acres)
Terroir: Limestone-clay plateau
Grape Varieties: 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Age of vines: 33 years old
Vine density: 6,300 vinestocks/ hectare
Viticulture: Parcels determined by GPS images. All parcels of the vineyard are identified. Soil aerated in middle of rows. Double Guyot pruning.
Rootstocks: 41B, Fercal
Harvest: Manual, with small perforated crates
Tanks: 50% concrete (epoxy-lined, thermo-regulated), 50% stainless steel
Fermentation: Minimum 3 weeks, depending on the vintage
Barrels: 50% new oak, 50% one year, malolactic fermentation in new barrels
Aged in barrels: 15 to 18 months
Average annual production: 55,000 bottles
Consulting oenologist: Jean-Philippe FORT, laboratoire Rolland
Oenology labs: Laboratoires CBC and Rolland
Additional information: Utilization of new fermentation and aging techniques, traceability- each barrel is coded and traceable to a parcel, pre-fermentation cold maceration.
