Red dry
A classic example of Right Bank Bordeaux – Château Croix du Rival Lussac-Saint-Émilion. This wine highlights the supple, rounded character of ‘Merlot’, complemented by ‘Cabernet Franc’, which brings structure, aromatic depth, and a touch of spicy tension.
On the nose, it reveals aromas of ripe plums, blackcurrants, and cherries, intertwined with notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and vanilla. The bouquet is complex and refined, clearly expressing a mature Bordeaux style – where fruit harmonizes with earthy, spicy, and gently oaked nuances.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with smooth yet firm tannins and a well-balanced acidity. The flavor profile is deep and layered – dark berries, chocolate, and toasted oak lead into a long, elegant finish, accented by subtle hints of herbs and minerality.
The grapes grow on the rolling hills of Lussac-Saint-Émilion, in clay and limestone soils that provide both structure and finesse.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve fruit purity, followed by 12–14 months of aging in French oak barrels (around 30% new oak) to enhance texture and complexity.
Serving recommendation: Serve at 16–18 °C with classic beef dishes such as roast entrecôte with herb butter, slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, or mature hard cheeses such as Comté.
Didier Miqueu and Stephan von Neipperg acquired a magnificent vineyard with some of the best terroir in Lussac-Saint–Émilion in 2007. The vines are located in an area of great archaeological interest encompassing the former Gallo-Roman villa of Lucciacus, from which the name Lussac is derived. Digs in the vicinity prove the property's ancient winegrowing vacation and long, rich history. Château Croix du Rival has twenty hectares of vines, some of which are over 50 years old. The clay-limestone soil is entirely comparable with that of the Saint–Émilion plateau where the finest great growths are located. The Croix du Rival (or "Rival Cross") overlooks the vines. Such crosses are numerous in Saint–Émilion and helped mark the way for pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela.
