Canon, Chateau
Summary
Château Canon is a 34-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in Saint-Émilion, producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from limestone-clay soils on the appellation's elevated plateau. The estate combines traditional hand harvesting with precise plot-by-plot vinification, aging their wines for 18 months in French oak barrels within historic underground limestone quarries that provide natural temperature control.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Canon's story began in 1760 when Jacques Kanon, a privateer for Louis XV, purchased the Saint-Émilion property. The estate's name evolved from its founder's surname to its current form. In 1996, the Wertheimer family, owners of Chanel, acquired Château Canon, initiating a comprehensive renovation of both the winemaking facilities and the historic château. Under the technical direction of Nicolas Audebert since 2014, the estate has maintained its Premier Grand Cru Classé B classification, first awarded in 1955 and consistently renewed through subsequent classifications.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Canon's 34 hectares of vineyards occupy a prime position on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. The vineyard composition stands at 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, planted on asteriated limestone soils with a clay surface layer. The estate's underground limestone quarries, which extend beneath the vineyards, create a naturally temperature-controlled environment that plays a crucial role in wine aging. The vineyard's elevation ranges from 50 to 100 meters above sea level, with south and southwest-facing aspects predominating across the parcels.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Canon emphasizes precision viticulture and minimal intervention. Harvest is conducted by hand, with initial sorting in the vineyard followed by optical sorting at the winery. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with separate vinification by plot. The grand vin ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak used each vintage. The estate utilizes its historic underground limestone quarries for barrel aging, taking advantage of the natural humidity and temperature control these caves provide. All vineyard mapping and harvesting decisions are based on detailed plot-by-plot analysis, ensuring optimal ripeness for each parcel.