Chateau TrotanoyProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château Trotanoy is one of the most revered estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of exceptional power, structure, and longevity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Trotanoy is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that dates back to the 18th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Trotanoy is a true benchmark for the appellation.

History of Château Trotanoy

The history of Château Trotanoy dates back to the 18th century when the estate was known as "Trop Ennuie," which translates to "too difficult" in reference to the challenging nature of the vineyard’s heavy clay soils. However, it was these very soils that would later contribute to the estate’s reputation for producing wines of great depth and complexity.

In 1953, Château Trotanoy was acquired by the Moueix family, who also own several other prestigious properties in Pomerol, including Château Pétrus. Under the stewardship of the Moueix family, Trotanoy 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 Trotanoy maintain its status as one of Bordeaux’s great wines.

The Terroir of Château Trotanoy

The terroir of Château Trotanoy is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 7.2 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 and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at Trotanoy.

The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

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

Winemaking at Château Trotanoy

Winemaking at Château Trotanoy 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% to 70% 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.