Vieux Chateau CertanProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Vieux Château Certan is one of the most esteemed estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of extraordinary elegance, complexity, and ageing potential. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Vieux Château Certan has long been recognized as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, often considered among the very best in Pomerol. With a rich history and a unique terroir, Vieux Château Certan is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and the remarkable quality of its wines.

History of Vieux Château Certan

The history of Vieux Château Certan dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest wine estates in Pomerol. The estate was originally established by a Scottish family named Demay, who were instrumental in planting the first vineyards. In the early 20th century, the property was purchased by the Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont, whose family continues to own and manage the estate today.

Under the stewardship of Georges Thienpont and his descendants, Vieux Château Certan has developed a reputation for producing some of the most refined and complex wines in Bordeaux. The estate’s commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a place among the elite wineries of Pomerol, with its wines highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world.

Today, Vieux Château Certan is managed by Alexandre Thienpont, who has continued to uphold the family’s tradition of excellence while also introducing modern techniques to enhance the quality of the wines.

The Terroir of Vieux Château Certan

The terroir of Vieux Château Certan is one of its greatest assets, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 14 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 Vieux Château Certan.

The vineyard is planted with 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, Cabernet Franc contributing structure and aromatic complexity, and Cabernet Sauvignon adding depth and tannic structure.

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

Winemaking at Vieux Château Certan

Winemaking at Vieux Château Certan is a meticulous process that emphasizes precision and attention to detail. 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 22 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.