Le Petit Cheval 2019

A seductive dry white Bordeaux wine with minerality and aromatic richness

The estate

Located on the right bank of Bordeaux, the Château Cheval Blanc is one of the most prestigious references of the Saint-Émilion appellation. This Premier Grand Cru Classé A stands out for its unique style of wines with immense class and among the most sought after in the world.

The wine

Produced under the Dry White Bordeaux appellation, Le Petit Cheval is the result of an adventure and a challenge that Château Cheval Blanc set itself more than 10 years ago: to produce a very great white wine on a terroir historically renowned for its red wines. If the initial idea was to produce a wine intended for exclusively family and friendly production, very quickly, the idea of making it a very great wine became an obvious choice. Embodying the essence of Cheval Blanc's identity, Le Petit Cheval Blanc enjoys a plot that is entirely dedicated to it. This 6.6-hectare vineyard was formerly that of la Tour du Pin. Benefiting from its own winemaking and aging tool, Le Petit Cheval Blanc is thus assembled from a mosaic of 13 different plots combining vines planted on sandy soils and clay soils.

The vintage

The first three months of the year, as well as the month of May, are relatively mild and drier than normal. April and June are marked by significant rainfall. If the summer is dry, July is punctuated by heat peaks alternating with salvific rainy episodes for the vineyard. The mild and dry conditions in early September promote optimal ripening. Over the year, the vegetative cycle is particularly homogeneous. The grapes harvested in very good conditions give birth to floral, fruity and mineral juices.

Vinification and aging

A pressing and a light settling precede fermentation in demi-muids (600L), foudres (15hL) and wooden vats (15, 20, 25 and 30 hL). Following vinification, the lees stirring initially daily gradually decrease according to the tastings carried out by the team. Following the blend made in February, the wines are aged for 18 months before being racked, stabilized, fined then clarified and bottled.

Blend

Sauvignon blanc (79%) and sémillon (21%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Petit Cheval 2019

Tasting

Color
Clear and limpid, the color is a brilliant yellow-green.

Nose
The nose opens discreetly and delicately on floral fragrances (acacia, linden). On aeration, the bouquet gains in complexity through a rich and intense palette mixing mineral notes with aromas of citrus and white-fleshed fruits (peach, pear, apricot).

Palate
The attack seduces with its freshness, precision and straightness supported by a beautiful acidity. Ample and generous, the palate stretches with finesse to a persistent finish highlighting elegant bitters, signature of this exceptional Dry White Bordeaux.