Château Croix du Rival

The history of Château Croix du Rival is linked to the solid friendship between Didier Miqueu and Stephan von Neipperg. With some passionate friends, Didier Miqueu and Stephan von Neipperg decide to devote all the time and the necessary means to the search for great terroirs in the forgotten appellations of Bordeaux, to give birth to exceptional wines. It is in 2007 that stops their choice on a magnificent vineyard located on the best soils of the commune of Lussac: the vineyard of the Rival. At the entrance to the estate, the Croix du Rival watches over the vineyards: many in the landscapes of Saint-Emilion, these crosses once marked the paths of Compostela.

The vineyard is located on the archaeological area of ??the Gallo-Roman villa Lucciacus which gave its name to the current village of Lussac. This area of ??twenty hectares has vineyards, some of which are over 50 years old. It is located on clay and limestone soils comparable to the plateau of Saint Emilion on which are established the best classified growths (Ausone, Canon, Troplong-Mondot). The Château Croix du Rival grape variety is characteristic of the Saint-Emilion and consists of about 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and as much Cabernet Franc. This vineyard has benefited from a complete upgrade: the parcels have been replanted or planted with appropriate rootstocks, vineyard management is eco-responsible and yields are under control. The vinification is done thanks to slow and controlled fermentations, the extractions are sweet, and the breeding is done in new barrels for 50% to 80% of the batches according to the vintages. Everything is together to produce a great Saint-Emilion wine.

At the tasting, the Château Croix du Rival is characterized by a beautiful aromatic power of red fruits, silky tannins and a nice balance.

Their Team

Owners  : Didier MIQUEU & Stephan VON NEIPPERG