Château Balestard La Tonnelle
シャトー・バレスタール・ラ・トネル
15th-century Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé with a François Villon poem on every label, owned by the Capdemourlin family since 1923.
Château Balestard La Tonnelle is a historic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate with origins dating to the 15th century. Founded by François Balestard, a canon of the village church, the property has been owned by the Capdemourlin family since 1923—a family with roots in Saint-Émilion since 1647. The estate spans 10.6 hectares of clay-limestone soils planted with 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its iconic medieval tower (tonnelle) stands at the heart of the vineyard. The estate is celebrated for its label, which reproduces a poem by 15th-century poet François Villon praising the wine, a tribute that has been carried forward through the centuries.
www.vignoblescapdemourlin.fr/en_GB/chateau-balestard-la-tonnelle ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
For Bordeaux lovers who appreciate historic Right Bank estates with deep literary heritage and classic Merlot-led blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What classification does Château Balestard La Tonnelle hold?
- It is classified as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, a distinction awarded on June 16, 1955.
- What grape varieties are used?
- The estate uses 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone soils.
- Who owns Château Balestard La Tonnelle?
- The Capdemourlin family, who have owned vineyards in Saint-Émilion since 1647, purchased the estate in 1923 and continue to manage it today.
- What is the significance of the label?
- The label reproduces a poem by 15th-century French poet François Villon praising the wine, a tradition maintained on every bottle.
- What is the iconic feature of the estate?
- A medieval tower (tonnelle) built in the 15th century stands at the centre of the vineyard and gives the château its name.