The von Neipperg counts, descendants of Franconian nobility, first planted vines on their estates in the 13th century. Over the years, this family has given the world many great soldiers as well as illustrious diplomats. Winegrowing has also long been a part of the family heritage. Today, after eight centuries of winegrowing tradition, Count Stephan von Neipperg manages the family holdings consisting of four estates in Saint-Emilion, including Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé.
Natural Nobility
The ancient vineyard of Château Canon-La-Gaffelière covers 20 hectares on the southern slopes of the hills overlooking the medieval town of Saint-Emilion. The clay-limestone and sandy soil has a complex structure and is ideal for producing quality wines. Stephan von Neipperg approaches winegrowing from a highly ecological point of view. Maintaining the vineyard's natural equilibrium contributes to making apure, unique wine that expresses the individuality of its terroir (soil and microclimate).Only organic fertilisers with a very low nitrogen content are used. They are absorbed into the soil very slowly and do not alter its character.
Vineyard operations such as de-budding, suckering, and thinning the vines ensure optimal, balanced growth and regulate yields naturally. The vines are protected by carefully-applied "homeopathic treatments" that do not endanger wildlife. Vineyard management takes into account all the special characteristics of each plot. This level of care extends into the cellar where the vat system makes it possible to make wines separately, and then combine them into the best possible homogeneous blend. The various stages of winemaking are unhurried. Any excessive changes in temperature are avoided, so that the grapes can express their full potential. This care continues into the ageing process, during which the wine is kept on its lees in oak barrels. The goal is to enhance the intrinsic qualities of the wine without changing them. Human intervention is kept to a minimum. Fining and filtering are light, and only done at all if required by the vintage. Barrel ageing (50% to 70% new barrels every year) lasts from 13 to 22 months depending on the year.
This natural equilibrium, based on quality grapes, produces very special wines of a consistently high standard. Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is remarkably well-structured and very elegant, with a long aftertaste. It exemplifies the care and quest for perfection that go into the winemaking process. The skill of a tight-knit team led by Stephan von Neipperg is responsible for making a wine that lives up to the potential of Chateau Canon-La-Gaffelière's excellent soil. The vineyard and cellar are run by a staff of fifteen. Winemaking is overseen by Cécile Gardaix, the estate's irreplaceable executive secretary, Paul Pétrou, a dedicated winemaker who realises the importance of vineyard management, and Stéphane Derenoncourt, the talented cellarmaster, who is also a specialist in bio-dynamic wine production. Château Canon-La-Gaffelière produces some 90,000 bottles of wine year, of which approximately 85% are exported. The wine is sold through traditional wine shippers. There is also a small number of private customers.
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