The terroir consists of clay-limestone and clay-sand soil that is particularly efficient at capturing and retaining heat. The choice of grape varieties is rather atypical for the appellation in light of the soil, characterised by an almost perfect 50/50 divide between Merlot and Cabernet.
The estate, which has been certified organic since the 2014 vintage, produces well-focussed, well-structured, complex, and unfailingly elegant wines, which reflect the uncompromising way in which they are made.
Representing some eight centuries of family winegrowing traditions, Count Stephan von Neipperg has succeeded in transforming Château Canon La Gaffelière into one of the leading Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés, thanks to a winegrowing philosophy that gives priority to respecting the estate’s outstanding terroir.
