© Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg
© Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg
A little history...
Château Canon La Gaffelière is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion and has had a fine reputation for over 150 years. In the 19th century, the estate was called La Gaffelière-Boitard (or Canon-Boitard), after its owner, Monsieur Boitard de la Poterie. It was later purchased by Doctor Peyraud, but there are few documents to describe his time as owner. The estate was acquired by Pierre Meyrat, the Mayor of Saint-Emilion, in 1953. After his death 1969, the château was sold once again and finally acquired by the Neipperg family in 1971.
Château Canon La Gaffelière
[Focus on...]
Count Joseph-Hubert von Neipperg acquired Château Canon La Gaffelière in 1971. Starting in 1984, all the winery buildings were entirely renovated and new offices were constructed. The château itself, in a rather poor state, was also extensively refurbished. Furthermore, a new winemaking team was formed to reflect the estate's changed philosophy.
A new approach starting in 1985
Stephan von Neipperg totally redefined viticulture and winemaking at Canon La Gaffelière, succeeding in reflecting the very best of what the estate has to offer. The present richness and concentration of its wines place Canon La Gaffelière among the top crus classés of Saint Emilion - which was exactly its position in the 1940s.
For quite some time, this siliceous terroir suffered from a fairly mediocre image.
© Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg
However, clay and sand soil is by no means bad! Everything depends on how you grow the grapes. A common error is to over-fertilise such well-filtered soil. In the early 60s, the use of chemical fertilisers was widespread, largely with a view to increasing production. The prevalent winemaking philosophy at the time found this perfectly acceptable.
Unfortunately, though, wines from this period were lacking in structure. In addition, excess nitrogen created a serious, long-lasting imbalance in the relationship between the vines and the soil. Firmly packed, and deprived of oxygen and micro-organisms, the soil lacked the necessary health and dynamism for deep rooting and quality wine production. This explains why Canon La Gaffelière was so lacklustre after 1964. The wines were weak and lacked complexity.
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