Médoc, Bordeaux
Château Potensac is one of the most respected estates in the Médoc appellation, known for producing wines of exceptional structure, depth, and ageing potential. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Potensac is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Médoc terroir. With a history that spans several centuries and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Potensac is a true gem of the Médoc.
The history of Château Potensac dates back to the 19th century when the estate was established in the northern Médoc. The property has been owned by the Delon family for several generations, a family renowned for their stewardship of other prestigious Bordeaux estates, including Château Léoville Las Cases and Château Nenin. Under the Delon family's guidance, Château Potensac has flourished, becoming one of the most respected names in the Médoc.
The Delon family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Médoc terroir have helped Château Potensac maintain its status as one of Bordeaux’s great wines. The estate is often described as a "cru bourgeois exceptionnel," a testament to its consistent production of wines that rival those of classified growths.
The terroir of Château Potensac is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 84 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly ridge in the northern Médoc, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and limestone. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the dominant grape variety at Potensac, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
The vineyard is planted with 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and ageing potential, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.
The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Potensac to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.
Winemaking at Château Potensac 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 12 to 16 months, with about 30% 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.
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