The estate’s Second Wine offers a different interpretation of the Calon terroir. With an average of 75% Merlot in the blends, Le Marquis de Calon Ségur is totally distinct from the First Wine. “It benefits from a true expression of its own”, underlines Vincent Millet. “The plots are separated out from the beginning.” Le Marquis de Calon Ségur provides immediate enjoyment, warmth and a velvety texture. It is carefully aged generally for 17 months in oak barrels, a third of which are new. Deliciously easy-drinking, silky and expressive, its charm comes to the fore, while at the same time bringing to our minds the elegance of the Grand Vin.

Appellation

Saint-Estèphe.
Château Calon Ségur’s second label.

Consulting oenologist

Éric Boissenot.

Soil

A thick layer of gravel laid down during the Quaternary Period. Predominantly clay sub-soil from the Tertiary Period. At the summit of the gravel deposits, there is also a fine layer of clay of lacustrine origin.

Area

55 ha (136 acres).

Production area

48 ha (50 ha planted).

Grape varieties

56% Cabernet sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Cabernet franc, 2% petit Verdot.

Average vine age

22 years.

Pruning method

Double Guyot.

Planting density

8,000 vines/ha.

Yield target

45 hl/ha.

Harvest

Hand picking. A first selection of grapes on the vine. Mechanical sorting of the grapes by vibration, followed by hand sorting.

Vinification

Temperature-controlled conical stainless-steel tanks. Maceration for 18 to 21 days.

Ageing

17 months, 30% new barrels. Fining with egg white.

Average annual production

Around 140,000 bottles.