Tour Saint Christophe, Chateau
Summary
Château Tour Saint Christophe is a 20-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from distinctive terraced vineyards set on limestone and clay soils with optimal south/southwest exposure. Under Peter Kwok's ownership since 2012, the estate has undergone significant modernization while maintaining traditional methods, with Michel Rolland consulting on a winemaking program designed to express the vineyard's terroir with precision and aging potential.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Tour Saint Christophe is situated in the commune of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes within the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France. The property features a château building dating from the 18th century and is distinguished by its terraced vineyard configuration set upon a limestone plateau.
In 2012, the estate was acquired by Hong Kong-based businessman Peter Kwok, marking a significant turning point in the château's development. Under Kwok's ownership, the property has undergone substantial modernization of its winemaking facilities. The technical leadership team includes Jean-Christophe Meyrou, who serves as technical director for Kwok's properties, with noted consultant winemaker Michel Rolland providing expertise in the winemaking process.
The estate holds the classification of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru within the appellation's official hierarchy, reflecting its recognized quality status within the region.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Tour Saint Christophe encompasses approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) of vineyards positioned on a distinctive terraced landscape. This terracing not only creates a visually notable vineyard but serves a practical purpose by maximizing the benefits of the vineyard's south/southwest exposure.
The vineyard soil composition consists primarily of limestone and clay, characteristic of quality vineyard sites in Saint-Émilion. This terroir supports the estate's planting of traditional Bordeaux varieties, with approximately 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc comprising the vineyard.
From these vineyards, the château produces its grand vin (first wine) labeled as Château Tour Saint Christophe. The wine exemplifies the classic Saint-Émilion profile, built around the dominant Merlot component with Cabernet Franc providing structure and aromatic complexity.
Philosophy & Practice
Following the 2012 acquisition by Peter Kwok, Château Tour Saint Christophe underwent significant modernization of its winemaking infrastructure. This investment reflects the ownership's commitment to quality improvement and technical advancement.
The winemaking approach combines traditional Saint-Émilion methods with contemporary precision. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, allowing for careful management of the extraction process. After fermentation, the wine matures in French oak barrels, a practice that contributes to the wine's structural development and complexity.
The estate's terraced vineyard layout represents both a connection to historical viticultural practices and an adaptation to the specific topography of the site. This configuration maximizes the limestone plateau's potential while creating efficient vineyard management possibilities.