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Château Pontet-Canet

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Château Pontet-Canet was created in the 18th century from the union of several parcels of land in Pauillac, under the aegis of Jean-François de Pontet, the King's Grand Esquire and Governor of the Médoc. A few years later, his descendants added the adjoining vineyards of Canet. One hundred years later, the famous 1855 classification did not forget Château Pontet-Canet, which thus joined the elite of Médoc viticulture. Herman Cruse, a Bordeaux wine merchant, bought the property in 1865, built new cellars, modernized the facilities, and made this wine known the world over. The Cruse family kept Pontet-Canet for 110 years, until Guy Tesseron purchased it in 1975. Today, Guy Tesseron's sons Alfred and Gérard Tesseron own the estate.

Château Pontet-Canet lies in the heart of the Pauillac appellation, south of the neighboring vineyards of Mouton Rothschild and Armailhac. The soil appears to be composed solely of gravel and sand. The 80-hectare vineyard of Château Pontet-Canet is dominated by the Cabernet-Sauvignon grape variety, a well-known signature of Pauillac's great wines. This demanding and difficult grape variety is perfectly adapted to the climatic and geological conditions of Pauillac. It produces full-bodied, well-structured wines suitable for long ageing, renowned for their finesse and elegance. In the Médoc tradition, it is blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which add the necessary touch of suppleness and charm. In certain vintages, Petit Verdot adds a touch of complexity to the blend. Château Pontet-Canet's philosophy is to intervene as little as possible, but as naturally as possible in the vineyard. These are the conditions under which Château Pontet-Canet wines will continue to be part of the Médoc legend.

Château Pontet-Canet: three families, one revolution

Château Pontet-Canet was the birthplace of one of the greatest revolutions in viticulture. Three families have succeeded one another on the estate, and all have participated, in their own way, in this revolution.

A Biodynamic pioneer

Château Pontet-Canet revolutionizes Biodynamics under the direction of Alfred Tesseron. Tesseron embarked on a conversion to sustainable farming techniques and parcel-based winemaking. He wants to abandon traditional viticultural methods in favor of biodynamic viticulture.

The first biodynamic trials are crowned with success. The fruit took on brighter colors and richer tastes to produce luminous wines. Alfred Tesseron decided to apply biodynamic techniques to the entire vineyard.

Château Pontet-Canet: an exceptional vineyard

Pontet-Canet wines are rated 100/100 by Robert Parker and have received numerous certifications. All thanks to practices that respect natural balance and intense tastes.

Products that respect natural balance

Château's aim is to intervene as little as possible to let nature do its work. Heavy tractors are banned to avoid compacting the soil. The estate opts instead for draught horses.

The soil is treated only when necessary, and no chemicals are used. A herbal tea room is available for all biodynamic preparations. The aim is to optimize composting and create a soil teeming with life to enhance the quality of the fruit.

A gentle blend of power and purity

The Pontet-Canet terroir is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Fruit is picked only when it has reached optimum ripeness. The bunches are sorted by hand, then destemmed above the vats. They then fall into the vats by gravity. The grapes are vinified in three vats: a historic wooden vat, a concrete vat and a vat designed without electricity. Depending on the nature of the wine, ageing can last from 16 to 18 months.

Château Pontet-Canet wines combine power and refinement. They release aromas of plum jam, blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by floral and spicy touches. Balsamic notes complete the picture.

On the palate, Pontet-Canet wines offer a full-bodied, ample texture. Velvety tannins are balanced by intense freshness. They then surprise the taste buds with mineral touches mixed with saline notes.

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