History
Château Pontet-Canet's history dates back to the early 18th century when Jean-François de Pontet, a Médoc governor, established the property. He acquired land in Pauillac in 1705 and took charge of the lieu-dit Canet in 1757, leading to the adoption of the name Pontet-Canet. Over the next century, the estate gained renown and was included in the 1855 Grands Crus Classés du Médoc list, a prestigious ranking that continues to this day.
In 1865, Hermann Cruse, a successful Bordeaux merchant, purchased the property, expanding and modernizing the facilities. However, the Cruse family's management was marred by scandals and financial difficulties, particularly after the 1973 oil crisis. The estate was then sold to the Tesseron family in 1975, who have since overseen significant improvements and a transition to organic and biodynamic farming practices. Today, the estate is managed by Alfred Tesseron, assisted by his nieces Melanie and Philippine Tesseron, and is known for its high-quality wines that reflect its rich terroir and commitment to sustainable winemaking methods.
Terroir
Château Pontet-Canet is situated in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. The vineyard spans approximately 80 hectares and benefits from an exceptional terroir. The soil composition is primarily Garonne gravel over clay and limestone, which provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of Bordeaux grape varieties. This terroir, combined with the proximity of the Gironde estuary, contributes to the unique characteristics of the wines produced at Pontet-Canet.
The vineyard is divided into two main parcels and further sub-divided into 92 plots, each with its own specific terroir conditions. The dominant grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon, accounting for 62% of the plantings, followed by Merlot at 32%, with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate's commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices ensures that the terroir is preserved and enhanced, allowing the natural complexity and purity of the terroir to shine through in the wines.
