Château Croix de Labrie

The History of Chateau Croix de Labrie

The vineyard was completely restructured in 1991, while the existence of Chateau Croix de Labrie dates back to at least the 17th century, as evidenced by the cellar dating from 1687. Its small vineyard of less than six hectares only responds to the expression "garage wine", born in the early 90s which humorously designates the very great wines of Saint Emilion produced in tiny quantities.

This small estate is no less prestigious and has secured an excellent reputation, thanks to the attentive care of Axelle and Pierre Courdurié who dedicate their passion to the great wines of Saint Émilion and have been the owners of Château Croix de Labrie since 2012.

The Chateau Croix de Labrie vineyard

The vineyard of Chateau Croix de Labrie covers exactly 5.78 hectares. It extends over three distinct terroirs: Saint Christophe des Bardes adjoining the winery of the estate (on the places called Peymouton, Rocheyron and Echeres), Le Cateau in Saint Sulpice (next to the first parcel of Valandraud) and Badon (next to Pavie).

The vineyard is mainly composed of Merlot which covers 3.58 hectares planted on the high plateau of Saint Emilion. It is completed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard of Chateau Croix de Labrie is conducted in organic and biodynamic agriculture, a parcel-by-parcel approach by terroir and climate. The soils are worked, plowed and grassed. Harvesting is done by hand and by crates, in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The sorting that follows is also manual.

The care of the vines falls to Axelle Courdurié who knows every inch of her terroir:
- Saint Christophe des Bardes and its clay-limestone soil with asteria that gives the wine its density and complexity ;
- Cateau composed of gravel and clay that give density and depth to the wine;
- Badon made up of clay and limestone sand, with a clay-limestone subsoil and draining iron dross.

The wines of Chateau Croix de Labrie

The estate's two main wines - Croix de Labrie and Chapelle de Labrie - are complemented by the Camille de Labrie, Les Hauts de Croix de Labrie, Camille de Labrie Chardonnay, Camille de Labrie Rosé and Croix de Labrie Stella Solare white wines.

Croix de Labrie - AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

The first wine, on the plateau, Chateau Croix de Labrie, is classified as a Grand Cru and is one of the premier wines of Bordeaux. This rare wine is made from a majority Merlot blend, and complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

It is a dense and rich wine. The sorting of the grapes for its elaboration retains only the ripest fruits, to ensure very fruity aromas. Château Croix de Labrie has a deep and elegant color. Its mouth is fine and fresh, both powerful and balanced.

It can be kept for 15 years.