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Vieux-Château Certan

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Vieux Château Certan 2023 - Primeurs

Bordeaux - Pomerol - Red Wine - Primeurs 2023 Primeurs 2023 - Delivery from september 2026

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 264.00€ / bottle

€264.00 Or €264.00 / bottle

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Wine Advocate J. Suckling

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Conditionnement

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Vieux Château Certan 2018

Bordeaux - Pomerol - Red Wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 399.00€ / bottle

- Case of 6 bottles (75cl)

390.00€ / bottle

€399.00 Or €399.00 / bottle

TASTING NOTES

Wine Advocate 97-100 J. Robinson 18/20 J. Suckling 98-99

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Conditionnement

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Vieux Château Certan 2019

Bordeaux - Pomerol - Red Wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 420.00€ / bottle

€420.00 Or €420.00 / bottle

TASTING NOTES

Wine Advocate 97-100 J. Robinson 18/20 J. Suckling 98-99

Specifications

Conditionnement

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Vieux Château Certan 2020

Bordeaux - Pomerol - Red Wine -

Available in

- Bottle (75cl)

- 420.00€ / bottle

€420.00 Or €420.00 / bottle

TASTING NOTES

Wine Advocate 98-100 J. Robinson 18/20 J. Suckling 98-99

Specifications

Conditionnement

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Vieux Château Certan: One of the Jewels of Pomerol

Vieux Château Certan is a living legend of the Bordeaux terroir, embodying both excellence and the tradition of the Pomerol vineyard. Known and loved by wine enthusiasts worldwide, this estate stands out for its history, the quality of its wines, and its sustainable and nature-respecting approach. Located in the heart of the Pomerol appellation, Vieux Château Certan spans 14 hectares of carefully tended vineyards, where Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon come together to produce wines of unmatched depth and subtlety.

History of Vieux Château Certan

Origins and the Thienpont Family

The history of Vieux Château Certan goes back several centuries. The estate first appeared on maps of the Bordeaux region in the mid-18th century. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that it took its modern form when the Thienpont family, originally from Belgium, acquired it in 1924. This family, passionate about viticulture, transformed the estate into one of the finest crus of Pomerol. Today, Alexandre Thienpont, a member of the third generation, leads the château, continuing the family tradition with a constant focus on quality and authenticity.

The Evolution of the Estate Through the Decades

Vieux Château Certan has undergone various transformations over time. In the early 20th century, it was already producing wines known for their finesse, but it was under the direction of Alexandre Thienpont that the estate truly reached full maturity. Each generation brought innovations while preserving the original spirit of the estate. The integration of new viticultural techniques, while remaining true to traditional methods, has allowed the production of exceptional wines, perfectly in tune with the Pomerol terroir.

The Terroir and Sustainable Agriculture

Soil and Climate Characteristics

The terroir of Vieux Château Certan is unique. Situated on the gravelly and clayey soils of Pomerol, it benefits from a microclimate particularly favorable for viticulture. This terroir is divided into three main types of soil: clayey gravels, sandy soils on clay, and purely clay soils. These different combinations provide the planted grape varieties with diverse conditions that contribute to the complexity of the wines produced by the estate. The dominant Merlot, accompanied by Cabernet Franc and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, offers great aromatic and structural richness.

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

One of the pillars of Vieux Château Certan is its commitment to sustainable agriculture. This cultivation method aims to minimize environmental impact by limiting the use of chemicals and promoting natural techniques to protect the vines. This nature-friendly approach not only preserves the biodiversity of the estate but also enhances the pure expression of the terroir in the wines. Each harvest is done by hand, with careful selection of the grapes to retain only the best bunches.

The Grape Varieties of Vieux Château Certan

Merlot: The King of Varieties

Merlot is the predominant grape variety at Vieux Château Certan, representing about 65% of the vineyard. This variety, characteristic of Bordeaux’s right bank, brings the estate's wines a velvety texture, ripe fruit aromas, and a beautiful roundness on the palate. Merlot is perfectly suited to the clay soils of Pomerol, giving it a supple yet powerful tannic structure.

Cabernet Franc: Elegance and Finesse

Cabernet Franc represents about 30% of the vineyard at Vieux Château Certan. This noble grape variety brings a touch of elegance and finesse to the wines, with spicy, floral notes and great freshness. Cabernet Franc is often used to balance the richness of Merlot, providing more rigid structure and enhanced aging potential.

Cabernet Sauvignon: A Touch of Complexity

Though a minority (5% of the vineyard), Cabernet Sauvignon plays a crucial role in the composition of the estate's wines. This variety, known for its ability to impart aromas of blackcurrant, green pepper, and powerful tannins, adds additional complexity to the blends, contributing to the depth and longevity of Vieux Château Certan wines.

Exceptional Vintages of Vieux Château Certan

Each vintage of Vieux Château Certan tells a unique story, shaped by the specific climatic conditions of the year and the care given to the vines. Certain vintages stand out for their exceptional quality and ability to age for several decades.

2010: A Legendary Vintage

The 2010 vintage is often considered one of the greatest for Vieux Château Certan. This wine is characterized by its density, deep aromas of black fruits, and perfect balance between freshness and power. The ideal climatic conditions of that year allowed for a slow, complete maturation of the grapes, resulting in an exceptionally complex and harmonious wine.

2015 and 2016: Exceptional Vintages

The 2015 and 2016 vintages are also highly prized by wine enthusiasts. The 2015 stands out for its opulence and rich aromas, while the 2016 impresses with its structure, precision, and freshness. Both vintages are highly sought after today for their aging potential and ability to evolve beautifully over time.

La Gravette de Certan: The Estate’s Second Wine

An Elegant and Accessible Wine

In addition to its grand vin, Vieux Château Certan produces a second wine called "La Gravette de Certan." This wine, made from the estate's younger vines, benefits from the same care and expertise as the first wine. La Gravette de Certan offers a more immediate and accessible expression of the Pomerol terroir, with a lighter structure and fresh, fruity aromas. It is a wine that can be enjoyed younger, while still retaining good aging potential.

Vinification and Aging Processes

Vinification: A Meticulous Process

Vinification at Vieux Château Certan is a meticulous process where every step is carefully controlled to best express the potential of the grapes. After manual harvesting, the grapes are rigorously sorted to keep only the best fruits. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for perfect control of fermentation temperatures to preserve the grapes' aromas and freshness.

Aging: Refining in Barrels

Once fermentation is complete, the wines are aged for about 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new each year. This aging process helps refine the tannins, add additional aromatic complexity, and give Vieux Château Certan wines their characteristic depth and structure. The moderate use of new barrels also preserves the balance and harmony of the wine, without overshadowing the fruit's aromas.

Tasting and Food Pairing

The Aromas and Flavors of Vieux Château Certan

Vieux Château Certan wines are characterized by their aromatic depth and complexity. The dominant aromas are often those of ripe black fruits, such as blackberry and plum, accompanied by floral notes, spices, truffle, and sometimes even cocoa and tobacco. On the palate, these wines reveal a silky texture, refined tannins, and exceptional length.

Perfect Pairings with Pomerol Wines

Vieux Château Certan is a wine that pairs perfectly with many dishes. Its richness and structure make it an ideal companion for red meats, such as roast leg of lamb or duck breast. It also pairs wonderfully with mushroom-based dishes, like a fricassee of porcini mushrooms, or aged cheeses such as Comté or Brie de Meaux.

Prices and Availability of Vieux Château Certan

Vieux Château Certan is among the most coveted wines of the Pomerol appellation. Due to the exceptional quality of the wines produced, bottle prices can reach considerable heights, especially for the most sought-after vintages. The average price of a bottle varies depending on the vintage, but it is not uncommon to see some exceptional years selling for several hundred euros. La Gravette de Certan, as a second wine, is generally more accessible while offering an excellent introduction to the estate's style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Vieux Château Certan so special? Vieux Château Certan stands out for the quality of its terroir, the Thienpont family's commitment to sustainable agriculture, and the perfect balance between tradition and innovation in winemaking. Its wines are renowned for their depth, elegance, and aging potential.

What are the main grape varieties used at Vieux Château Certan? Merlot is the dominant grape variety, representing about 65% of the vineyard. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon complement the blend, adding structure and complexity.

What is the aging potential of a Vieux Château Certan wine? Vieux Château Certan wines have exceptional aging potential. Some vintages can age for several decades, developing even more complex aromas and flavors over time.

How best to enjoy a Vieux Château Certan wine? It is recommended to decant young wines to aerate them and release their aromas. Serve at around 16-18°C and pair with refined dishes, such as red meats or aged cheeses.

Is La Gravette de Certan comparable to the first wine? La Gravette de Certan, though more accessible, is produced with the same care as the first wine. It offers a more immediate expression of the terroir, with fruity aromas and a lighter structure.

Conclusion

Vieux Château Certan is a true gem of Pomerol, appreciated by connoisseurs for its finesse, complexity, and aging potential. Its wines embody the elegance of the Pomerol terroir and the exceptional expertise of the Thienpont family. Whether discovering a grand cru or savoring a second wine like La Gravette de Certan, Vieux Château Certan is sure to captivate wine lovers worldwide.