The second wine of Château Canon is produced from a dedicated 11-hectare vineyard located on the foothills below the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. These vines, averaging around 35 years of age, are planted mainly to Merlot with Cabernet Franc and grow on soils formed from limestone erosion and alluvial deposits. Unlike many Bordeaux second labels, Croix Canon comes from its own distinct terroir rather than declassified fruit from the grand vin, and is vinified in the estate’s historic Chapelle de Mazerat winery using the same meticulous parcel-by-parcel approach as the flagship wine. 

The 2019 vintage is typically a blend of around 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. After careful sorting and fermentation in parcel-specific vats, the wine is aged for roughly 18 months in French oak barrels, with about 25% new oak to add subtle structure while preserving fruit purity and freshness. This careful élevage produces a polished Saint-Émilion with ripe red and dark fruit, floral notes and a refined, silky texture that reflects both the precision of the winemaking and the limestone-influenced terroir of the estate.

Merlot

One of the world’s most widely planted and approachable red grape varieties, forming the backbone of many wines from Bordeaux, particularly on the Right Bank. Known for its generous fruit and soft texture, it typically shows flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry, often complemented by notes of chocolate, spice and subtle herbs. Medium to full bodied with smooth tannins and moderate acidity, Merlot produces wines that are supple, rounded and easy to enjoy, both on their own and as part of a blend. It plays a key role in adding richness and approachability to Bordeaux wines, while in warmer regions it can deliver plush, fruit-forward styles, and in cooler climates, more structured and elegant expressions.

Cabernet Franc

A key Bordeaux variety, particularly important in Saint-Émilion and the Loire Valley, where it produces wines of freshness, aromatic lift and structure. Typically showing flavours of red currant, raspberry and plum, it is often accompanied by distinctive notes of violet, graphite and a gentle herbal edge. Medium bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins, Cabernet Franc brings elegance and precision rather than weight. In blends, it adds lift, perfume and freshness to Merlot, while as a single variety it can produce refined, food-friendly wines with a clear sense of place and excellent versatility at the table.

Bordeaux - located in southwest France, is one of the world’s most renowned and influential wine regions, celebrated for its historic châteaux, age-worthy wines, and unparalleled blending tradition. Divided by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, Bordeaux is home to two stylistic pillars: the Left Bank, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Right Bank, where Merlot takes the lead. The region’s moderate maritime climate, gravelly and clay-limestone soils, and long growing season provide ideal conditions for producing structured reds, elegant dry whites, and some of the world’s most famous sweet wines, notably from Sauternes. Bordeaux’s appellations—such as Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Margaux, and Pessac-Léognan—are benchmarks for quality and expression. With centuries of winemaking tradition, strict classification systems, and a global reputation for excellence, Bordeaux continues to set the standard for fine wine around the world.