Chateau GazinProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château Gazin is one of the most esteemed estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of remarkable richness, depth, and complexity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Gazin is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that spans over three centuries and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Gazin is a true gem of the Right Bank.

History of Château Gazin

The history of Château Gazin dates back to the 18th century when the estate was first established on the site of a former hospital for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. The estate quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and by the 19th century, it was considered one of the top properties in Pomerol. The name "Gazin" is derived from the old French word for "work" or "craft," reflecting the estate’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality.

In the 20th century, Château Gazin was acquired by the De Bailliencourt family, who have owned and managed the estate ever since. Under their stewardship, Gazin has flourished, becoming one of the most respected names in Pomerol. The family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pomerol terroir have helped Château Gazin maintain its status as one of Bordeaux’s great wines.

The Terroir of Château Gazin

The terroir of Château Gazin is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 26 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot, which is the dominant grape variety at Gazin, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and the Cabernets contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Gazin to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Gazin

Winemaking at Château Gazin is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.