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Château Pontet-Canet

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Château Pontet-Canet was created in the 18th century when several plots of land in Pauillac were brought together under the leadership of Jean-François de Pontet, the king's grand equerry who became governor of the Médoc region. A few years later, his descendants added the neighboring vineyards of Canet. A hundred years later, the famous 1855 classification did not overlook Château Pontet-Canet, which thus joined the elite of Médoc winegrowing. Herman Cruse, a Bordeaux wine merchant, bought the property in 1865, built new cellars, modernized the facilities, and made the wine known throughout the world. The Cruse family kept Pontet-Canet for 110 years, until Guy Tesseron bought it in 1975. Today, Guy Tesseron's sons, Alfred and Gérard Tesseron, own the estate.

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

Château Pontet-Canet: three families, one revolution

Château Pontet-Canet witnessed the birth of one of the greatest revolutions in viticulture. Three families have succeeded one another on the estate, and all have contributed in their own way to this revolution.

A pioneer of biodynamics

Château Pontet-Canet is revolutionizing biodynamics under the leadership of Alfred Tesseron. He is undertaking a conversion to sustainable agricultural techniques and winemaking by plot of land. He wants to abandon traditional viticultural methods in favor of biodynamics.

The first biodynamic trials were a resounding success. The fruit took on more vibrant colors and offered richer flavors, producing luminous wines. Alfred Tesseron then 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 this is thanks to practices that respect natural balance and intense flavors.

Products made with respect for the natural balance

Château's goal is to intervene as little as possible and let nature do its work. Heavy tractors are banned to avoid compacting the soil. The estate has therefore opted to use draft horses.

The soil is treated only when necessary, and no chemicals are used. A herbal tea room allows for the preparation of all biodynamic preparations. The goal is to optimize composting and obtain soil that is teeming with life in order 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.

The fruit is only picked when it reaches optimal 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, aging can last from 16 to 18 months.

The wines of Château Pontet-Canet combine power and refinement. They exude aromas of plum jam, blackberry, and blackcurrant accompanied by floral and spicy notes. Balsamic notes round out the bouquet.

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

More information on the website of Pontet-Canet

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