Fleur Cardinale blanc
Acquired in 2018 in the very heart of the red vineyards of Château Fleur Cardinale, this 2.4-hectare plot was replanted to give rise to a wine unlike any other: expressing, each year, the same place in both red and white.
The vineyard
East of Saint-Émilion, on the north-facing slope of the limestone plateau of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, Fleur Cardinale blanc is born on a 2.4-hectare plot, enclosed in the heart of the Château Fleur Cardinale vineyards and bordered by a 40-hectare forest, at the coolest point of the estate.
Its deep clay soils retain water, an asset for an age-worthy white, and the coolness of the neighbouring forest preserves the tension of the grapes.
The plantings combine the Bordeaux triptych: around 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris and 30% Sémillon.
The cellar
A cellar renovated in 2024 hosts the making of Fleur Cardinale blanc, designed to preserve the delicacy of this white wine of place.
The harvest, sorted twice, in the vineyard and then in the cellar, receives the same care as in the vineyard: each pressing is carefully chosen and protected from oxidation by the coolness of dry ice, to preserve the brilliance of the fruit until fermentation, which continues in the ageing vessels.
The wine then rests on its lees, mainly in foudres and, in part, in demi-muids and once-used barriques: a discreet oak that lets the fruit express itself. Gentle lees stirring (bâtonnage) preserves its tension and liveliness.
Fleur Cardinale Blanc
Bordeaux
The D. Decoster family’s new wine of place. A great terroir-driven white wine, designed for ageing, expressing the freshness of its north-facing clay-limestone slope.
Delicately perfumed, the nose reveals notes of flowers and graphite.
The attack, lively and fresh, gives way to a vibrant fruit that fills the whole mouth, in a poised balance between tension and richness, supported by a fine salinity.
This contrast between intensity and finesse gives it fine ageing potential.
-
Volume produced
Around 6,000 bottles a year, depending on the vintage. Made from a 2.4-hectare plot, it is a limited production.
-
Tasting tips
A great age-worthy white wine, Fleur Cardinale blanc can be enjoyed just as well young, for its vibrant fruit, as after a few years in the cellar. Serve it between 11 and 13°C: taken out of the fridge fifteen minutes beforehand, it releases its aromas more fully.
-
Food and wine pairing
Fleur Cardinale blanc is a natural companion to a vegetable or fish carpaccio, goat’s cheese, shellfish and, more broadly, fresh, lively cuisine.
For something unexpected, it also pairs with a dish created by chef Lucas Cramaix, who regularly works at the estate: simply roasted artichoke, ajo blanco, pea velvet and nasturtium leaf oil.
-
Music and wine pairing
To enjoy while listening to Unintended by Muse
Crystalline notes of acoustic guitar that resonate like the vibrant acidity of the Sauvignon. Bellamy’s airy voice rises, pure and finely chiselled, evoking the incisive minerality of the wine. The ethereal backing vocals recall the subtle complexity of the aromas, where Sauvignon Gris brings its touch of floral roundness. Between tension and delicacy, the wine unfolds a long, airy finish, like the song fading away in a whisper.
Intuition de Fleur Cardinale Blanc
Bordeaux
Intuition de Fleur Cardinale blanc, Bordeaux blanc, is the second blended cuvée of Fleur Cardinale blanc: because an Intuition is the beginning of a larger project.
Intuition is made with the same care as the grand vin.
Its blend is decided each year by tasting, selecting the lots for their moreish appeal and drinkability.
Designed to be enjoyed young, it reveals a fresh nose of acacia blossom and white peach, then a fresh, silky palate, on a mouth-watering and lingering finish.
-
Volume produced
Around 6,000 bottles a year, depending on the vintage. A limited production, like all of the estate’s white wines.
-
Tasting tips
Intuition blanc is best enjoyed young, for its freshness. Serve it well chilled, between 8 and 10°C, to make the most of its aromatic brilliance.
-
Food and wine pairing
This wine is a natural companion to Asian cuisine or fish and seafood. It also pairs very well with roast poultry.
-
Music and wine pairing
To enjoy while listening to Something Human by Muse
The electro-pop attack and the crystalline synths echo the immediate freshness of the wine. The playful rhythm accompanies an effortless, fluid tasting. Like the melody that pulses so naturally, the citrus aromas dance on the palate, carried by an invigorating acidity. A direct, sincere experience, mirroring the message of the song.