Surrounded by first classified growths such as Belair, Magdelaine, Clos Fourtet and Beauséjour, Château Canon is one of the oldest properties in Saint-Emilion. It takes its name from an owner in the 18th century, Jacques Kanon (with the ‘K’ becoming a ‘C’ over the centuries). Located on the south-west slopes of the appellation, the vineyard site on varied soil consisting of clay-limestone and sand on limestone subsoil. The Fournier family owned the property from 1919 until 1996, when it was bought by the Wertheimer family from the Chanel group. This historical château of Saint-Emilion has significantly grown, since it bought 12.5 hectares from Château Matras in 2011, extending the property and allowing it to produce its second wine, Clos Canon. Over time, Cabernet Franc has contributed an ever-increasing amount to the blend, now representing 30% with Merlot making up the remain part.
Nicolas Audebert oversees the estates as General Director of Chanel vineyards. Horses work the soil, the grapes are harvested by hand, plot-by-plot vinification takes place with pumping over, maturation lasts between 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels – these are just some of the château’s secrets. The freshness of its wines, even in hot vintages, comes down to the limestone soil which acts as a water reserve. Elegance, charm and lightness come together in this highly reputed wine.

Château Canon is an iconic figure in its appellation, with a parcel in the very village of Saint-Emilion. The 34 hectares of vines grow on a layer of chalk-rich soil veined with clay, perfect for growing Merlot. The Cabernet Franc vines are grown in the better-exposed parcels in order to reach optimal maturity. The harvests are, of course, carried out by hand.
When it comes to vinification, each parcel is placed in a separate vat, with the help of gravity, in order to preserve the grape’s distinct identities. The wine is matured in French oak casks for 18-20 months depending on the vintage. What follows is ‘soutirage à l’esquive’, a fastidious racking process that involves separating the wine from its lees in a different way for each cask, without recourse to a pump.
The wine has a beautiful, dark colour. The nose possesses a remarkable finesse with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and a discrete, oaky undertone. On the palate, the tannins are round and elegant.
Château Canon can be aged for several decades. For pairing with food, go off the beaten track and try duck breast cooked in a blueberry sauce.