Vieux Château Certan

History

Vieux Château Certan, a renowned Bordeaux wine estate, has a rich history dating back to the mid-1700s when it was founded by Jean Demay de Certan. Initially known as "Sertan," the estate was part of the Demay family's extensive wine trade operations. The original château was constructed around 1770, and the Demays were well-respected negociants and wine merchants in the Bordeaux region.

In the 19th century, Charles de Bosquet acquired the estate and rebuilt the château, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. The estate's name remained Sertan until 1924, when it was purchased by Belgian wine merchant Georges Thienpont. The Thienpont family has maintained ownership ever since, with Alexandre Thienpont taking over management in 1985 and modernizing the winemaking facilities.

The vineyard, covering 14 hectares, is divided into 23 plots, with a grape variety composition of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is known for producing high-quality wines, including its second wine, La Gravette de Certan, which has contributed to its reputation as one of the best producers in Pomerol.

Terroir

The terroir of Vieux Château Certan is one of its greatest assets, contributing significantly to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate's 14 hectares of vineyards are situated on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at Vieux Château Certan. The vineyard is planted with 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir. The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Vieux Château Certan to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.