Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux
Join this day trip to the Saint-Emilion (and surrounding) wine-making region of France. This full-day guided excursion from Bordeaux offers picturesque scenery, sights...
Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2023 to 2028.
vintage3 yrs8 yrs10 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Advocate reviewed 2022 | 2020 | 93/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
In the glass
Aroma: grapefruit, white peach, lemon zest, flint, fresh herbs
Palate: citrus cream, green apple, saline minerality, subtle oak spice
Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from Cheval Blanc's estate, classified as Bordeaux Blanc since Saint-Emilion AOC prohibits white varieties. Elegant citrus and flint profile with saline length.
What it pairs with
- Oysters on the half shell High acidity and mineral salinity are a textbook pairing with briny Atlantic oysters.More wines for oysters →
- Grilled langoustines Citrus-led fruit echoes shellfish sweetness; acidity cuts through butter.More wines for prawns and shrimp →
- Goat cheese salad The wine's bright acidity contrasts the tangy cheese; herbal notes bridge the green salad.More wines for lamb →
How to serve Le Petit Cheval Blanc
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Oysters on the half shell, Grilled langoustines, Goat cheese salad. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Le Petit Cheval Blanc was conceived as an experimental project from 2014, with the first commercial release being the 2015 vintage. White grape varieties are not permitted in the Saint-Emilion AOC, so the wine is classified as AOC Bordeaux Blanc. Initially 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the estate added Semillon from the 2018 vintage to introduce textural complexity.
- 2015First commercial vintage released as AOC Bordeaux Blanc
- 2018Semillon added to the blend for textural depth
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Cheval Blanc · visiting guide
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%)
- Classification
- AOC Bordeaux Blanc
- Oak
- Barrel-fermented in 400-litre French oak; no malolactic fermentation
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 60-100 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2015
Frequently asked about Le Petit Cheval Blanc
What does Le Petit Cheval Blanc taste like?
On the nose, grapefruit, white peach, lemon zest, flint, fresh herbs. On the palate, citrus cream, green apple, saline minerality, subtle oak spice. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a clean, persistent citrus and mineral finish. Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from Cheval Blanc's estate, classified as Bordeaux Blanc since Saint-Emilion AOC prohibits white varieties. Elegant citrus and flint profile with saline length.
When should I drink Le Petit Cheval Blanc?
Drink 3-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Le Petit Cheval Blanc?
Oysters on the half shell is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled langoustines and Goat cheese salad. High acidity and mineral salinity are a textbook pairing with briny Atlantic oysters.
What grapes are in Le Petit Cheval Blanc?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%). The wine is classified as AOC Bordeaux Blanc.
Tags
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