Château Balestard La Tonnelle – Classified Great Growth of Saint-Emilion

Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

Château Balestard La Tonnelle is located on the heights of Saint-Emilion, just 2625 feets from the village’s gate. The property inherited its name from “Balestard”, a canon of the Saint-Emilion’s jurisdiction and from “La Tonnelle”, a very ancient watchtower built during the 15th century. The tower is still situated in the heart of the vineyard and became through the ages the property’s emblem. Former estate of the Berthauts-Couture family, Château Balestard La Tonnelle was purchased by Mr Berthon in 1923. His grandson, Jacques Capdemourlin, is today the current manager.

Grape varieties:

70% Merlot – 25% Cabernet Franc – 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard:

Vines are aged of 33 years and grow on a chalky-clay plateau of 27 acres.

Winemaking:

After a manual harvest, juices follow a classical winemaking in thermo-regulated concrete and stainless steel vats. Then the wine ages for 15 to 18 months in oak barrels.

Tasting note:

Food pairing:

This wine will match with fillt of duck and green pepper ground sauce, fillet of pheasant with roasted apples, or with gizzard salad, along with brown potatoes, but it will be perfect with desserts such as red fruits tart or chocolate fudge.

Rating:

Vintage 2015: 92 Points Wine Spectator – 91 Points James Suckling