Le Petit Cheval 2013

Tasting Characteristics and Notes for Petit Cheval 2013

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The wine reveals a bright, clear ruby red colour with attractive translucency.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of fresh red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant. It is further enriched by nuances of wild berries, subtle floral touches and gentle spices, all underscored by delicately integrated oak evoking cedar and vanilla.

Palate
The attack is supple, introducing a light to medium body carried by lively acidity. The tannic structure proves fine and crisp, offering a precise, slightly chalky texture. The finish, of medium length, lingers on a pleasant fruity freshness and a noble touch of bitterness.

Food and Wine Pairings
This wine pairs beautifully with tender, delicately flavoured meats. It will perfectly accompany roast poultry with root vegetables, veal chop with morels or pork fillet mignon. It also enhances umami-rich vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto, as well as soft-ripened cheeses like a matured Brie.

The Elegance and Freshness of a Saint-Émilion Second Wine

The Estate
Founded in 1832, Château Cheval Blanc is an iconic estate located in Bordeaux, France. Now owned by the LVMH group and the Frère family, the estate stands out for its strong identity and pioneering commitment to agroecology. Under the direction of Pierre Lurton and Pierre-Olivier Clouet, this legendary estate champions precision viticulture and the preservation of biodiversity. Producing wines of remarkable elegance, the estate has succeeded in modernising its infrastructure while preserving the essence of its historic terroir.

The Vineyard
The vineyard covers 42 hectares in a single block within the Saint-Emilion appellation. It rests on a rare geological mosaic, composed in equal parts of deep clay, high-quality gravel and sand. The estate follows a rigorous agroecological approach, favouring living soils without deep mechanical tillage. Permanent ground cover, agroforestry through the planting of thousands of trees, and animal integration through sheep grazing all contribute to the resilience of this ecosystem. The grapes used for this second wine come mainly from the sandy plots.

The Vintage
2013 was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions. A cool, wet spring disrupted the vine's flowering and fruit-set stages. Summer continued with moderate temperatures and high, almost tropical humidity, leading to significant disease pressure, notably an increased risk of botrytis. To preserve the health of the berries, harvest began on 26 September and proceeded very quickly.

Winemaking and Ageing
Crafted from a rigorous selection representing around a quarter of the total harvest, Petit Cheval 2013, the estate's second wine, benefits from meticulous attention. The winemaking process aims to capture the freshness and balance of grapes harvested at optimal ripeness despite the challenging climate. The wine is then aged for around 18 months in barrels made from 100% new French oak, refining its structure while preserving the brightness of the fruit.

Grape Varieties
The blend is composed of Merlot (85%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (15%).