The property
5th Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, Château Pontet-Canet has experienced an irresistible rise to become one of the most emblematic brands of the Medoc. Managed by Justine and Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet has established itself as one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the Pauillac appellation with results that exceed all expectations. From one vintage to the next, the property has become one of the finest references on the left bank of Bordeaux.
The vineyard
Certified Ecocert and Biodyvin for 10 years, the vineyard of Château Pontet-Canet, which covers 81 hectares, is maintained with the greatest respect for the vines and the surrounding environment. The vines are worked with horses to avoid soil compaction. Biodynamics is applied on the estate. Through their work and knowledge of the vineyard, the technical teams of the property help the vine to give the best of itself.
The vintage
The particularly mild winter preceded the warm months of March and April, which favored an early budding of the vines from March 21. Although there were significant rainy spells at the end of April, the subsequent milder conditions allowed for rapid flowering. Following the new moon on May 23, rainfall was very important until June 20. In order to fight against the mildew pressure, horsetail tea and decoctions of wicker and borage gathered on the estate were applied as needed, thus limiting losses and saving the harvest. Early August was marked by a heat peak followed by violent storms which swelled the berries but weakened the skins. The early stop of the soil work as well as the non-pruning of the vines allowed the leaves to evaporate this hydrous surplus and the berries to find a normal size. The harvest started early and the grapes were of very high quality.
Vinification and maturation
Following the harvest, the grapes are rigorously sorted and de-stemmed by hand in order to carry out a meticulous selection of the grapes. The quality of the harvest allowed a low interventionist vinification. The grapes were "infused" with the support of some manual punching down. The wine is aged 50% in new barrels, 35% in concrete amphorae and 15% in one-wine barrels.
Blending
Château Pontet-Canet 2020 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (32%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (4%).