The Producer

Historic records show that Calon Segur was in existence as far back as 1147, when it was owned by Monseigneur de Calon. He was an important Bishop in the community. This makes Chateau Calon Segur a contender for the oldest property in Saint Estephe. Eventually the Medoc property came to be owned by Nicolas Alexandre de Segur. Which as you can see is where the name Calon Segur comes from.

The Region

Instead, a heavy clay and limestone base dominates this area, resulting in poorer-draining soils, delayed ripening, and higher acidity levels in the wines.These factors mean that, over the last few decades, many Saint-Estèphe's winemakers have increased their emphasis on Merlot, as it performs better on clay-rich soils than Cabernet Sauvignon. Because wines from here have traditionally been rather austere and tight in youth, Merlot also serves to soften the texture. Clay soils ability to retain moisture can come in handy during the occasional drought-like summers that have been known to bring ...

Instead, a heavy clay and limestone base dominates this area, resulting in poorer-draining soils, delayed ripening, and higher acidity levels in the wines.These factors mean that, over the last few decades, many Saint-Estèphe's winemakers have increased their emphasis on Merlot, as it performs better on clay-rich soils than Cabernet Sauvignon. Because wines from here have traditionally been rather austere and tight in youth, Merlot also serves to soften the texture. Clay soils ability to retain moisture can come in handy during the occasional drought-like summers that have been known to bring a Bordeaux vintage to its knees. Other grapes permitted are Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Côt (Malbec) and Petit Verdot.