Château Clinet

History

Château Clinet, situated in the Pomerol appellation, has a rich history dating back to 1785. The estate was passed down through illustrious families like the Constants and Arnauds before finding stability with the Audy family in 1900. In the late 1970s, Jean Michel Arcaute restored the estate to its 19th-century glory, introducing practices like leaf thinning and hand-picking, and reducing Cabernet Sauvignon plantings. After Arcaute's untimely death in 2001, the estate was managed by Jean-Louis Laborde, whose son Ronan Laborde took over in 2004. Ronan Laborde has been instrumental in the estate's resurgence, replanting vines, reducing new oak barrels, and implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The estate has also expanded with the acquisition of Château Lecuyer in 2022, showcasing a commitment to growth and innovation while maintaining its traditional excellence[1][4].

Terroir

Château Clinet is situated on the Pomerol Plateau, one of the highest points in the region, which provides optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage. The terroir is characterized by a diverse soil composition consisting of gravel, clay, and iron-rich deposits known as "crasse de fer." These soils contribute to the distinctiveness of the wines, imparting complexity, minerality, and structure to the grapes. The vineyards are divided into three main parcels: La Grand Vigne, with old vines in deep clay; Les Argilles, also with deep clay; and Le Plateau, which has gravel-rich soil. This complex terroir influences the wine's character, resulting in rich, supple textures and ripe fruit flavors. The estate also employs sustainable viticultural practices to preserve the health of the vines and maximize the expression of terroir in the grapes[1][2][3].