Chateau Canon is a famous Saint-Emilion estate widely recognized as one of the best in the appellation. The property started out as part of the Clos St. Martin vineyard with only 30 acres. After purchasing it in 1760, by Monsieur Jacques Kanon expanded the estate and its vineyards but then sold it a decade later to Raymond Fontemoing, a Bordeaux wine merchant.
In 1919, the property came into the hands of the Fournier family who invested a lot of time and money, modernizing the estate and vineyards. It remained in their control until the 1990’s but by that time Chateau Canon was having some serious problems: TCA contamination, vine disease, and subsidence of the quarried cellars beneath the property.
When the Wertheimer family, which owns Chanel, acquired the estate in 1996, it was in a sorry condition and they invested in restoring the full potential of Chateau Canon for Premier Grand Cru Classe wines. A period of extensive renovation and replanting was undertaken. The 18th century residence is now entirely restored to the highest standards.
The estate’s 85 acres are planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with the average vine age now close to 30 years. The substantial estate is on Saint-Emilion’s famous limestone plateau close to the town.
Chateau Canon has a walled vineyard at the entrance to Saint-Emilion planted to Merlot. This unique 5,000 square foot parcel is ploughed by horse and hand harvested in traditional style. Its grapes are used in crafting the estate’s Grand Vin.