Calon Segur, Chateau
Summary
Château Calon-Ségur is a Third Growth Bordeaux estate in Saint-Estèphe with 55 hectares of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted on gravel-rich plateaus over clay-limestone subsoils. The estate produces classic Médoc wines through traditional methods including hand harvesting, parcel-by-parcel vinification in temperature-controlled tanks, and aging in 100% new French oak for up to 20 months.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Calon Segur's history in Saint-Estèphe dates to the 17th century, with documented vineyard cultivation beginning in 1647. The estate earned Third Growth (Troisième Cru) status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The Capbern-Gasqueton family maintained ownership from 1894 to 2012, when it transferred to Suravenir Assurances. Laurent Dufau serves as the estate's managing director, leading operations since 2013.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 55 hectares of vineyards in Saint-Estèphe, positioned on Médoc's gravel-rich plateaus. The vineyard composition features 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep gravel deposits over clay-limestone subsoils characterize the terroir. The average vine age stands at 45 years, with some parcels exceeding 70 years.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Calon-Ségur maintains traditional Bordeaux vinification methods while incorporating modern precision. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with separate vinification by parcel. The grand vin ages for 18-20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The estate practices strict yield control, averaging 45 hectoliters per hectare. Hand-harvesting remains standard practice, followed by double sorting of grapes before vinification.