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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.
Château Croix du Rival is a distinctive Bordeaux wine estate located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, one of the most interesting and historically rich areas of the Right Bank. The estate combines deep-rooted winemaking traditions, exceptional terroir, and a modern approach to quality.
In 2007, Didier Miqueu and the renowned winemaker Stephan von Neipperg acquired this vineyard, recognizing its potential to become one of the finest properties in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion area. The vineyards are situated in a site of significant archaeological importance, where the ancient Gallo-Roman villa Lucciacus once stood, giving rise to the name Lussac. Archaeological findings confirm that wine has been produced in this area since antiquity, and that its winemaking heritage spans many centuries.
Today, Château Croix du Rival manages around 20 hectares of vineyards, part of which are planted with vines over 50 years old. These old vines contribute depth, concentration, and structure to the wines, characteristics typical of the best examples from the region.
The estate’s soils consist of a classic combination of clay and limestone, similar to those found on the prestigious Saint-Émilion plateau. This terroir allows the cultivation of grapes that produce balanced, aromatic, and long-lived wines with a clear mineral backbone.
The main grape variety grown on the estate is ‘Merlot’, complemented by ‘Cabernet Franc’, which brings elegance, freshness, and structure to the blends. The name “Croix du Rival” originates from a stone cross located near the vineyards. Such crosses were historically important landmarks for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, and they remain a meaningful symbol of the region’s heritage.
Château Croix du Rival wines reflect the classic Lussac-Saint-Émilion style. They are rich and harmonious, with aromas of ripe berries, soft tannins, and strong ageing potential. The estate is a fine example of how authentic terroir and careful winemaking can create expressive Bordeaux wines worthy of extended maturation and refined gastronomic pairings.
