Château Clos de L'Oratoire

Since 2012, Château Clos de L'Oratoire has been classified as a Grand Cru Classé and thus ranks among the very best in Saint-Émilion. This is thanks to none other than the visionary Stephan Graf von Neipperg and his team.

Château Clos de L'Oratoire, with its approximately 13 hectares, is situated on a hilltop north-east of Saint-Émilion. The terroir there is known as Fronsac-Molasse and consists of a sandy layer with a clay-rich subsoil. It is the ideal base for Merlot, which accounts for a good 80% of the vineyards. There used to be small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon, but those are a thing of the past. The ideal partner for Merlot is 20% Cabernet Franc. The vines are now Vieilles Vignes, over 40 years old.

As in all Neipperg estates, the grapes are harvested by hand into small crates, which are sorted twice before being completely destemmed. There is no cool pre-fermentation; instead, vinification takes place in large, temperature-controlled wooden cuves. Maceration lasts between three and four weeks, depending on the vintage, with pneumatic pigeage. This round, soft, powerful and dark-fruited Bordeaux is aged 80% in new barriques and 20% in second-use barriques. After 18 months on the fine lees, the Grand Cru Classé is bottled. It is a seductive wine offering outstanding value for money.

© Photos: Château Clos de L'Oratoire