Château L’Evangile

Château L'Evangile: A Treasure of Pomerol

Château L'Evangile is an iconic wine estate in the Pomerol appellation, located at the heart of the famous Pomerol plateau, nestled between two equally renowned estates: Pétrus and Cheval Blanc. Representing the elegance and finesse of the great wines of Bordeaux, this 16-hectare estate boasts a rich history and a prestigious reputation, earned through centuries of viticultural expertise and modern investments. Château L'Evangile is particularly appreciated for its high-quality wines, marked by both power and subtlety, as well as for its second wine, Blason de L'Evangile.

The History of Château L'Evangile

The Origins of the Estate

Château L'Evangile traces its roots back to the 18th century when it was founded by the Léglise family, an influential family in the Bordeaux region. Originally called "Fazilleau," it took its current name when the Ducasse family, who owned it for over a century, took possession. This estate has managed to retain its authentic character while modernizing over the years.

Acquisition by the Rothschilds

In 1990, Château L'Evangile was acquired by Baron Eric de Rothschild, who also owns the legendary Château Lafite Rothschild. Under the Rothschild family’s direction, the estate underwent significant investments to improve the quality of the wines, with innovations in winemaking techniques and vineyard management. These improvements have elevated Château L'Evangile to the ranks of the great names of Pomerol, while respecting the traditions that define its renown.

The Terroir of Château L'Evangile

Geographic Location and Climate

Château L'Evangile is located on the Pomerol plateau, a privileged area for viticulture due to its complex soils and temperate climate. The soils are predominantly made up of gravel, sand, and clay, with a notable presence of iron-rich subsoils. This exceptional terroir allows the grape varieties, especially merlot and cabernet franc, to fully express their potential.

Vineyard Grape Varieties

The Château L'Evangile vineyard is primarily planted with merlot (about 80%), a grape variety that brings roundness, fruitiness, and smoothness to the wines. The rest is composed of cabernet franc (about 20%), which provides structure, elegance, and an impressive aging potential. This harmonious duo of grape varieties is ideal for producing balanced, powerful, and refined wines.

Winemaking Techniques

A Traditional and Modern Approach

At Château L'Evangile, winemaking is an art that combines ancient traditions with modern techniques. The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure a rigorous selection of the best fruit. Once harvested, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in concrete and stainless steel vats, allowing for optimal control of temperature and maceration.

Aging in Oak Barrels

After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for a period of 18 to 20 months. About 70% of the barrels used are new, imparting subtle aromas of vanilla, spices, and wood while preserving the wine’s fruity and fresh character. Barrel aging also encourages the development of structure and the wine’s aging potential.

Characteristics of Château L'Evangile Wines

The Grand Vin of Château L'Evangile

Château L'Evangile is a complex, elegant, and powerful wine. Made from merlot and cabernet franc, it offers a rich aromatic palette, blending notes of dark fruits, truffle, chocolate, and spicy hints. On the palate, it stands out for its silky structure, fine tannins, and exceptional length. This wine can age for several decades, revealing deeper aromas and an increasingly refined texture over time.

Blason de L'Evangile: The Second Wine

Blason de L'Evangile is the estate’s second wine. Made with the same care as the grand vin, it is intended to be more accessible in its youth. It presents generous fruit, beautiful concentration, and a more supple texture, ideal for earlier consumption. Blason de L'Evangile is often recommended for those who want to discover the estate’s unique style without waiting for years of aging.

Exceptional Vintages of Château L'Evangile

Vintage 2005

The 2005 vintage is considered one of the best of the last decade for Château L'Evangile. With impressive concentration and great depth, this wine offers notes of blackberry, black cherry, licorice, and tobacco. On the palate, it is rich, opulent, and endowed with silky tannins, making it ideal for long aging.

Vintage 2010

The 2010 vintage is another remarkable example of what the estate can produce. It is a powerful wine with a solid structure and complex aromas of dark fruits, graphite, and cedar. This vintage strikes a perfect balance between power and elegance, making it an ideal wine for aging.

Vintage 2015

The 2015 vintage marks an exceptional year, offering wines that are both concentrated and elegant. Aromas of ripe fruits, truffle, and chocolate blend with a fine and well-integrated tannic structure. This wine is perfect for drinking young, but also has great aging potential.

Tasting and Food Pairings

Tasting Notes

Château L'Evangile stands out with its complex aromas of dark fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), floral touches (violet), and subtle notes of cedarwood, truffle, and spices. On the palate, the texture is silky and the tannins are fine, offering impressive length. This wine reveals its full potential after a few years in the cellar, developing more complex aromas and achieving perfect harmony.

Food Pairings

Château L'Evangile pairs beautifully with red meats, game (deer, wild boar), and sauced dishes, particularly those featuring truffle or wild mushrooms. It also goes perfectly with mature cheeses like Brie de Meaux or Comté. The lighter, fruitier Blason de L'Evangile can be enjoyed with simpler dishes, such as a rib-eye steak or duck breast.

Purchasing and Visiting the Estate

Where to Buy Château L'Evangile Wines?

The wines of Château L'Evangile, including Blason de L'Evangile, are available on 12bouteilles.com. The estate also offers visits and tastings by appointment, giving wine lovers the opportunity to discover the history of the estate and taste its prestigious vintages.

Visiting the Estate

A visit to Château L'Evangile is an unforgettable experience. Located at the heart of the Pomerol plateau, the estate welcomes visitors in an intimate and authentic setting. During the visit, you will explore the vineyards, the winery, and the winemaking and aging process. The visit concludes with a tasting of the estate's wines, with the option to purchase bottles directly from the property.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main characteristics of Château L'Evangile wines? Château L'Evangile wines are known for their elegance, power, and finesse. They offer aromas of dark fruits, truffle, spices, and chocolate, with fine tannins and great aging potential.

What is the dominant grape variety in Château L'Evangile wines? The dominant grape variety is merlot, representing about 80% of the vineyard. The rest is composed of cabernet franc.

What is the average price of a bottle of Château L'Evangile? The price of a bottle of Château L'Evangile varies depending on the vintage, but it typically ranges between 200 and 400 euros for the grand vintages. Blason de L'Evangile is more accessible, with prices around 50 to 100 euros.

How long can a Château L'Evangile wine be cellared? A Château L'Evangile wine can be cellared for several decades, depending on the vintage. The best years can age for 30 years or more.

What is the best vintage of Château L'Evangile? Among the most notable vintages are 2005, 2010, and 2015, all recognized for their balance and complexity.

How can I organize a visit to Château L'Evangile? It is recommended to contact the estate directly to arrange a visit and tasting. Visits are by appointment only.