Clos De Sarpe

The diminutive St-Emilion Clos de Sarpe was carved off from the much larger Château Haut-Sarpe estate in 1923 to become the 3.6 hectares it is today. But despite its small size it is definitely not a property to overlook. The tiny sliver of vines were purchased by a local winemaker, Jean Beyney, and remain under the guidance of Christine and Jean-Guy Beyney today. What it lacks in hectares, it makes up for in quality. Clos de Sarpe sits on top terroir and has some of the oldest vines in St-Emilion, some up to 80 years old. The vines are managed following biodynamic principles and are planted on a south-east facing limestone hill, tucked to the north east of the town of St-Emilion itself, just beyond Château Trottevieille. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are hand harvested and matured in new oak barrels. Due to its tiny yields, fewer than 1,000 cases are produced of the Grand Vin each year, making it rarely seen and worth getting hold of. Careful selection ensures only the best grapes are used. The remainder makes up the second wine, Charles de Sarpe.