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Château Cheval Blanc, Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping: a tasting at the summit

A vintage of Château Cheval Blanc tasted in China

On Monday, November 4, 2019, Emmanuel Macron traveled to China for his second visit to the Middle Kingdom. This trip provided the French president with the opportunity to introduce Chinese President Xi Jinping to some of the treasures of French wines. Three wines were on the tasting menu for the two heads of state, including a truly exceptional vintage. THE Château Cheval Blanc.

Indeed, a bottle of red wine from Château Cheval Blanc was opened to accompany the wines during the meal between the two political figures. A tasting at the highest level, since it is one of the 4 Premier Grand Cru Classé A wines of Saint-Emilion.

 

Château Cheval Blanc, jewel of Bordeaux's right bank

 

First Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-Emilion

In 1878, the domaine He won his first gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition. Since then, he has accumulated numerous awards, culminating in the ultimate recognition: First Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-EmilionThis ranking is renewed every 10 years and testifies to the excellence of the domaine. Recognized for its consistency, it appears on the menus of the finest establishments and has become a staple of presidential dinners.

Today, the Château Cheval Blanc is part of the prestigious Club of Eight which brings together the best (of the best) of Bordeaux :

 

 

An exceptional terroir and expertise

Every year, the domaine delivers some of the most remarkable bottles of the right bank of BordeauxThe quality of the wines is due to its exceptional terroir, the high standards and expertise of the excellent technical team led by the talented Pierre-Olivier Clouet.

The oldest vines date back to 1920 and are planted on clay and gravel soils. The grape varieties are composed of 47% cabernet franc47% of merlot and 3% of cabernet sauvignonAn atypical choice for the region, but one that corresponds to the typical characteristics of the soils of the domaine. Extensive soil studies and ampelographic research have enabled the production of increasingly precise wines. A plan for uprooting the vines... vieilles vignes is underway and allows the planting of selections from the ampelographic reserve of the Château.

Pierre Lurton, also at the head of Château d'Yquemis in charge of domaine. He took considerable care in the work of the vineyard and the plot selection so dear to Château Cheval Blanc. The architect's creation of a new, avant-garde winery Christian de Portzamparc added to the excellence of domaine. It now blends perfectly into the vineyard of Saint-Emilion, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The great wine of Cheval Blanc is obtained by the assembly Wines from plots that have reached optimal ripeness. Balance, tannin quality, fruit richness, and elegant floral notes are hallmarks of each of the wines' vintages. domaine. The wines of Château Cheval Blanc They impress with their finesse, aromatic complexity and unique elegance.

 

Château Cheval Blanc, How to store and enjoy it?

 

Tips for optimal storage

The greatness of wine lies in its ability to gain complexity after a few years of aging. Therefore, optimal storage conditions The following conditions must be respected: humidity levels between 70% and 75%, a temperature around 14°C, total darkness and above all, bottles placed horizontally so that the cork is in contact with the wine.

 

Tips for a successful tasting

To fully enjoy this wine, it is recommended to open it an hour beforehand and to... decanter if it is less than 10 years old. Otherwise, no decanting is necessary. Let the wine's complexity slowly unfold in your glass. This excellent wine can accompany your meal from appetizer to dessert (not too sweet). For the main course, we suggest a nice piece of meat. For the more adventurous, a fish dish with a side of mushrooms for a successful surf and turf combination. History doesn't record whether the storage conditions in President Emmanuel Macron's cellar were optimal, nor whether Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoyed the tasting. One thing is certain, the Château White Horsec East available on our Cavissima website.

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