Château Dassault

Château Dassault Grand Cru Classé de Saint-Émilion – The Elegance of a Great Wine

Château Dassault is a prestigious Grand Cru Classé from the Saint-Émilion appellation, one of the most renowned in the Bordeaux wine region. Formerly known as Château Couperie, it was acquired in 1955 by Marcel Dassault, a pioneer in the aviation industry, who renamed it in honor of his family. The estate covers 50 hectares, making it one of the largest in this famous appellation.

Today, the château is managed by Laurent Dassault, with a particular focus on wine production, thus continuing the family legacy. Since 1995, the technical management of the estate has been entrusted to Laurence Brun-Vergriette, who has undertaken meticulous work in the vineyards and cellars, aiming for optimal wine quality.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The terroir of Château Dassault is based on clay-limestone and gravelly soils typical of the Saint-Émilion region, offering ideal conditions for vine growing and varietal expression.

• Grape Varieties :
  • 65% Merlot : Provides roundness, fruitiness, and softness.
  • 30% Cabernet Franc : Contributes structure and freshness to the wine.
  • 5% Cabernet Sauvignon : Adds tannins and increased aging potential.

Merlot is the dominant grape variety, giving Château Dassault wines their characteristic finesse and suppleness, while the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add complexity and structure.

Vinification and Aging

At Château Dassault, vinification is carried out with meticulous attention to detail to preserve the purity and integrity of the fruit. The grapes are carefully sorted before controlled fermentation in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks, allowing for optimal extraction of aromas and tannins.

The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, with 60% new barrels, for a period of 12 to 18 months. This aging process imparts delicate oak notes to the wine without overpowering the fruity aromas.

Tasting: A Wine of Great Finesse

Château Dassault is renowned for its balance, finesse, and supple tannins. On the palate, this Grand Cru Classé reveals aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, blackcurrant), as well as subtle notes of spices and vanilla from the oak aging. The wine is silky on the palate, with a beautiful aromatic persistence and a long, elegant finish.

Wine Characteristics :

• Color : Intense, brilliant purple.
• Nose : Aromas of ripe fruits, with woody and spicy notes.
• Palate : Velvety tannins, great complexity, red fruits, light roasted notes.

Food & Wine Pairings

Château Dassault pairs perfectly with refined dishes. Here are some suggestions to enhance your tasting experience:

• Grilled or sauced red meats (ribeye steak, filet mignon).
• Game (venison, hare) with red fruit sauces.
• Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmesan.

Aging Potential

Château Dassault is a wine with excellent aging potential. It can be enjoyed now for its fresh fruit aromas and roundness, but it will reveal its full complexity after a few years in the cellar. It can evolve favorably for 10 to 15 years.

The Second Wine: D de Dassault

The estate's second wine is the D de Dassault, crafted with the same care as the first wine but with a more accessible approach. It stands out for its freshness and indulgence, while retaining a good structure. This wine is perfect for more casual tastings while still being elegant.

Château Dassault: A Family Legacy and a Vision for the Future

The Dassault family embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition in the management of this historic estate. Through the joint efforts of Laurent Dassault and Laurence Brun-Vergriette, Château Dassault has become one of the jewels of Saint-Émilion, blending modernity and respect for the terroir. The constant pursuit of excellence is reflected in every vintage, with meticulous work in both the vineyard and the cellar.

Conclusion: Why Choose Château Dassault?

Château Dassault is more than just a wine; it is a true expression of the Saint-Émilion terroir, a Grand Cru Classé that combines finesse, elegance, and power. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a collector, this wine will captivate you with its aromatic depth, silky tannins, and its ability to age gracefully.

FAQ about Château Dassault Grand Cru Classé

What is the origin of Château Dassault? The Château was acquired by Marcel Dassault in 1955 and renamed after him, having previously been known as Château Couperie.

What are the grape varieties of Château Dassault? Château Dassault is made up of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

What is the aging potential of this wine? Château Dassault can be aged for 10 to 15 years depending on the vintage and storage conditions.

What is the estate's second wine? The second wine is D de Dassault, more accessible but still crafted with care.

How should Château Dassault be tasted? It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C and to decant it a few hours before tasting to release its aromas.

What are the best food pairings with Château Dassault? This wine pairs ideally with red meats, game, or aged cheeses.