Château Fleur Cardinale
Château Fleur Cardinale
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
The history of Château Fleur Cardinale
Château Fleur Cardinale has a fascinating history dating back to 1819. However, its history took a turning point when Dominique and Florence Decoster decided to settle here in 2001.
The new owners breathed new energy into the estate, emphasizing a respectful approach to nature and imbuing the premises with a poetic atmosphere.
Over the years, the estate has undergone a series of strategic changes designed to improve the quality of the wines and enhance the exceptional terroir from which it benefits, including extensive work in the vineyard and the new winery built in 2002.
The dedicated couple behind Château Fleur Cardinale
Florence and Dominique Decoster
Long-time porcelain makers in Limoges, Florence and Dominique Decoster, owners of Château Fleur Cardinale, embody a deep commitment to quality, terroir and the environment. Their decision to convert to organic farming in 2021 reflects their concern to preserve soil health and biodiversity, and to produce wines that respect the environment. This approach illustrates their long-term vision for the estate and their desire to create authentic, sustainable wines.
Their journey to Grand Cru Classé status in 2006 also demonstrates their determination to achieve excellence. Through strategic changes and a meticulous approach to viticulture, they have elevated the reputation and quality of Château Fleur Cardinale wines.
By adopting organic farming practices and using certified organic fertilizers, the couple demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and quality. Their holistic approach to viticulture, combining respect for the environment with the pursuit of excellence, places Château Fleur Cardinale among the most respected estates in the Saint-Émilion region.
The terroir of Château Fleur Cardinale
Château Fleur Cardinale's terroir is remarkably diverse, contributing to the richness and complexity of its wines. Located in the Saint-Émilion region of Bordeaux, the estate's 23.5 hectares of vines are carefully tended and planted with a rigorous selection of grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The geographical location of the vineyards, with their south and southeast exposure, contributes to the optimal ripeness of the grapes and the remarkable expression of terroir in the wines produced by Château Fleur Cardinale.
The estate's plots are spread over slopes with varying degrees of steepness, allowing the soil to drain naturally and efficiently. This diversified topography enables the vines to flourish in ideal conditions, avoiding excess water and favoring good exposure to the sun.
Soil composition varies considerably from plot to plot, contributing to the complexity of the wines produced. In all, seven different types of soil have been identified on the estate. These include molasse, red and brown clay, sand and asteriated limestone.
#WINES FROM THE ESTATE: Appellations and Cuvées
The Saint-Émilion appellation
Located on Bordeaux's right bank, the Saint-Émilion appellation is one of the most prestigious in the Bordeaux region of France. It is renowned for the quality of its red wines, made mainly from Merlot grapes, with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wines from this appellation are generally characterized by aromas of ripe red fruits such as cherry and strawberry, as well as subtle floral notes. With age, these wines often develop aromas of dried fruit, sweet spices, leather and tobacco. On the palate, they offer a fine tannic structure, a velvety texture and remarkable length.
See our full selection of Saint-Émilion wines
Château Fleur Cardinale cuvées
Château Fleur Cardinale offers three distinct wines, each with its own characteristics and qualities.
White :
Intuition de Fleur Cardinale (Second wine)
Red wine :
Château Fleur Cardinale
Intuition de Fleur Cardinale (Second wine)
Cardinale Wood
Château Croix Cardinale
Each of these cuvées represents a unique expression of Château Fleur Cardinale's terroir and expertise, offering wine lovers a varied range to suit different tastes and occasions.
What's the difference between Château Fleur Cardinal and Château Croix Cardinale?
Château La Croix Cardinale is a winery located in the Saint-Émilion region of the Bordeaux vineyards in France. It is often considered to be linked to Château Fleur Cardinale, although the two estates may be distinct. Château La Croix Cardinale usually produces a separate cuvée, sometimes referred to as a "cousin" of Château Fleur Cardinale, representing an alternative or complementary option to its Grand Vin. While specific details about Château La Croix Cardinale may vary, it often shares the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship as Château Fleur Cardinale.
The best vintages of Château Fleur Cardinale 2005, 2016, 2020, 2022
Prices and reviews of Château Fleur Cardinale
Château Fleur Cardinale prices and reviews may vary depending on several factors, such as vintage, cuvée, rarity and market demand. For detailed information on prices and reviews, we invite you to explore our site where you'll find a wide selection of Château Fleur Cardinale selections.
Discover rave reviews of Château Fleur Cardinale, with impressive scores from renowned critics such as Jeb Dunnuck (94-96), Vinous (Neal Martin) (90-92), Yves Beck (94-95), Jean Marc Quarin (95), Terre de Vins (95-96), Alexandre Ma (93-94), Jane Anson (94), Markus Del Monego (95), Decanter (94), Revue du Vin de France (92-93), James Suckling (95-96) and many more.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Saint-Émilion
Surface: 23.5 Hectares
Red grape varieties: 75% Merlot, 5% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet franc
White grape varieties: 40% Sauvignon blanc, 30% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon gris
Vine cultivation : Organic