Petit Cheval AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2013 75 cl

Le Petit Cheval 2012 is an elegant second wine from Château Cheval Blanc, composed mainly of Cabernet Franc (75%) and Merlot (25%), offering finesse, balance, and aromatic complexity typical of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

General information
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France
Château / Estate: Château Cheval Blanc
Vintage: 2012
Volume: 75 cl
Color: Red
Alcohol: 13.5%
Grape varieties: 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot 

Sulfite content: Contains 

Terroir and vineyard
Soils: Clay-limestone and sandy 

Climate: Moderate oceanic, with regular rainfall and mild summers, promoting optimal grape ripeness 

Average vine age: Approximately 40-42 years 

Vinification and aging
Hand-harvesting and careful sorting of the grapes 

Gravity-fed tank vinification in custom-made concrete vats
Fermentation with gentle pump-overs, followed by careful maceration 

Malolactic fermentation carried out in vats, lasting from three weeks to several months
Aging: 16 to 18 months in new French oak barrels 

Tasting profile
Nose: Aromas of rose, violet, lavender, mint, black cherry, ripe and delicate red fruits, notes of licorice, tobacco, and graphite 

Palate: Medium-bodied to full-bodied, elegant, very fruity, finely tannic, velvety with a long, refined, and fragrant finish 

Food and wine pairings: White meats, beef fillet, rack of lamb, game, aged cheeses 

Aging and tasting
Aging potential: Approximately 10 to 15 years, very accessible in its youth but gaining complexity over time 

Serving temperature: 16-17°C
Decanting: Recommended for 30 minutes to open up the aromas 

This prestigious cuvée, the estate's second wine, represents the spirit of Cheval Blanc while offering a more accessible wine of great finesse and balance. It illustrates the typicality of Saint-Émilion Cabernet Franc and the estate's ability to produce a wine that is both elegant and appealing from its youth while allowing for pleasant aging.