Chateau PoujeauxProducer from Bordeaux, France

Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux

Château Poujeaux is one of the most respected estates in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, known for producing wines of exceptional structure, depth, and ageing potential. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Poujeaux is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Médoc terroir. With a history that dates back to the 16th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Poujeaux is a true gem of the Moulis appellation.

History of Château Poujeaux

The history of Château Poujeaux dates back to the 16th century when the estate was first established in the heart of the Médoc. The property gained its name from the "poujeaux," or small hills, on which the vineyards are planted. Over the centuries, Château Poujeaux changed hands several times, with each owner contributing to its development and reputation.

In the 20th century, Château Poujeaux was owned by the Theil family, who managed the estate for several decades and helped it gain international recognition for the quality of its wines. In 2008, the estate was acquired by the Cuvelier family, who have since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery. Under their ownership, Château Poujeaux has continued to thrive, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully.

The Terroir of Château Poujeaux

The terroir of Château Poujeaux is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 68 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly ridge in the Moulis-en-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 Poujeaux, along with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard is planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. 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 Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contributing aromatic complexity and depth.

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

Winemaking at Château Poujeaux

Winemaking at Château Poujeaux 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.