Owner of vines since the 17th century, the Capdemourlin family has three Grands Crus in Saint-Emilion, spanning 60 hectares, of which Château Balestard La Tonnelle is the crowning jewel. This estate is made up of 10 hectares of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These varieties are grown with profound respect for the soils and sustainable viticulture.

First produced in 1997, this “microcuvée” (only 3,600 bottles were produced for the 1999 vintage) is made entirely of Merlot. The grapes are picked by hand and élevage lasts 18 months in new oak barriques. This wine boasts intense notes of cedar, prune and is made to cellar. It can accompany characterful dishes such as duck cooked in fruit.