Chateau Pontet Canet
Pauillac is home to a host of famous names, and Château Pontet-Canet has long been regarded as solid rather than thrilling. However, the situation changed when the Tesseron family converted the entire vineyard to biodynamic farming. Chemical treatments were eliminated, and a method involving careful observation of the lunar calendar and the vines was introduced.
This vineyard is located in the Pauillac commune, bordered to the north by Mouton and Lafite; it sits on gravelly soil and offers a panoramic view of the Gironde estuary. This vineyard was classified as a Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Alfred Tesseron, who has been managing the property since the 1970s, says that he still does not fully understand this vineyard and continues to learn about it.
Three centuries, three families
The history of Pontet-Canet dates back to the early 18th century, when the northern Médoc region was attracting attention from the nobility and magistrates of the time as an investment opportunity. Jean-François de Pontet was one of them, and this land was named after him. Since then, two families have owned this estate.
The Tesseron family took possession of the estate in 1975. Alfred Tesseron's father purchased this estate during a period of economic hardship for the Bordeaux wine trade, and Alfred, who was residing in the United States at the time, returned to his hometown to manage the estate on his father's behalf.
The timing was challenging in two respects. The family's funds came from Cognac, but since Cognac was also in crisis, it had almost no financial capacity to invest in this property, which urgently required investment. The estate struggled initially due to his lack of experience, and later because of the downturn in Cognac's trading business.
As a result, this period forced the family to do its utmost best and choose for the highest quality and best results. Decades later, when the estate's situation improved, the same owner chose the most difficult farming methods available to him instead of the easiest ones.
81 hectares, a hundred plots
Château Pontet-Canet's vineyard is located in the Pauillac commune and covers an area of 81 hectares. It is divided into approximately 100 plots, with about 800,000 grapevines planted, and all plots face the Gironde estuary. Mouton and Lafite border the vineyard on the northern side.
This vineyard consists of two quite distinct areas. One is a plateau with a broad, gently sloping terrain, and the finest plots are situated at the top of the hill. Some of these were planted in the late 1940s and remain in place today, with deep roots.
The second section is closer to the river and located near the village of Pouyalet. This area has cooler, more fertile soil.
The average age of the vines is 50 years, which is above average in Bordeaux.
Gravel on limestone, clay by the river
The plateau located in the center of Pontet-Canet consists of a Garonne gravel layer from the Günz period and sits atop a limestone bedrock. The soil is poor but well-drained, and, as elsewhere in Pauillac, it is quite well-suited for the Cabernet Sauvignon variety.
As you head down toward Pouyalet, the landscape changes. The soil contains more chalk; in some plots, limestone is exposed on the surface, while in others, clay is visible. With lower temperatures and richer nutrients, this soil is well-suited to the Merlot variety, producing wines with greater body and structure.
These two soil types describe the characteristics of the blend better than any formula could. Furthermore, this vineyard has refined its understanding of the soil over many years, a testament to their relentless tasting, comparing, and narrowing down of options.
According to the winery, biodynamic farming has added the following elements to the vineyard's characteristics: deeper flavors, more precise and silky tannins, and a richer minerality that lingers on the finish.
The grape varieties
As is the case with most Pauillac blends, Cabernet Sauvignon plays a leading role here:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Accounts for more than 60% of the Grand Vin blend and is planted on a gravel plateau
- Merlot: Located on cool chalky and clay soils near the river
- Petit Verdot: Four vineyards situated on the edge of bedrock terrain; planted to carry on the winery's historical viticultural traditions, they add a spicy note
The Petit Verdot was intentionally reintroduced.
The winemaking
In 2004, Alfred Tesseron began converting 18 hectares of the Pontet-Canet vineyard to biodynamic farming methods. By 2007, the entire vineyard was being cultivated using this method. This method involved eschewing chemical treatments, scheduling work according to the lunar calendar, and dedicating significantly more labor to the vineyard.
Ripeness is tracked by micro-parcel, and all samples are tasted individually before blending decisions are made.Samples from each plot are poured into glasses one by one for evaluation, with the goal of preserving the grapes' inherent characteristics.
The wines
The name "Château Pontet-Canet" is emblazoned on the red Pauillac label, and this Grand Vin is the winery's most famous wine. This Cabernet-dominant wine is grown on a gravel plateau.
A second wine 'Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet' was produced till vintage 2021.
The Tesseron family's interests extend beyond Pauillac. They also own Pym-Rae, and Cognac, the family business that originally financed the Bordeaux purchase, remains part of this structure.
The best vintages of Pontet Canet
Top vintages for the “Grand Vin” are: 1959, 1961, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023.
Frequently asked questions
Is Château Pontet-Canet a classified growth?
Yes. It was classified Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification.
When did Pontet-Canet become fully biodynamic?
Conversion started in 2004 on part of the vineyard and covered the whole property by 2007.
Who owns Château Pontet-Canet?
The Tesseron family, who bought it in 1975. Alfred Tesseron has managed the estate since then.
Does the Tesseron family make wine anywhere else?
Yes, they own the Pym-Rae property in Napa Valley, and the family also has a Cognac business.
