Château Certan de May
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Château Certan de May is a historic winegrowing estate in Pomerol, owned by the Barreau-Badar family. It produces red wines in the Pomerol appellation from a 5.5-hectare vineyard planted on clay-gravel soils.
Identity
Château Certan de May is an estate located in Pomerol, in the Gironde. It is owned by the Barreau-Badar family, heirs to the de May family. Technical management and winemaking are overseen by Jean-Luc Barreau.
History and philosophy
The Certan estate dates back to the end of the 16th century and is said to have been the first property authorised to cultivate vines in the region. Part of this historic estate was divided following the Revolution of 1848, giving rise to Château Certan de May. The Barreau-Badar family has owned the estate since 1925.
The appellations
Château Certan de May produces wines under the Pomerol appellation. The parcels are situated in the south-east of the appellation.
Flagship wines
The estate's principal cuvée is Château Certan de May. It is a blended red wine, predominantly Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is renowned for its structure and aromatics. The estate also produces a second wine, Croix de Certan, crafted from the same grape varieties and offering a more immediate expression of the terroir. Grapes for Croix de Certan are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and sorted before vinification.
Practical information
Address: 26 route Saint Jacques de Compostelle, Pomerol, 33500, France
Telephone: +33 5 57 51 41 53
Email: chateau.certan-de-may@wanadoo.fr
The estate offers cellar-door sales, and visits are available by appointment.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What is the history of Château Certan de May?
- The Certan estate has origins dating back to the late 16th century and is reputed to have been the first property to cultivate vines in the region. Following the Revolution of 1848, part of this historic estate was divided, giving rise to Château Certan de May. The Barreau-Badar family has owned the estate since 1925.
- Which grape varieties are used in the wines of Château Certan de May?
- The vineyard planting at Château Certan de May comprises 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. These grape varieties are grown across a 5.5-hectare vineyard. The average vine age is approximately 50 years, which significantly contributes to fruit quality.
- How are the wines of Château Certan de May vinified?
- After destemming and crushing, the grapes are transferred into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. These vats allow precise temperature control to foster a gentle extraction of aromatics and tannins. Ageing then takes place in French oak barrels, with around 30% new wood each year. Bottling is completed at the château.
- Does Château Certan de May produce wines other than its Grand Vin?
- Yes, alongside its primary cuvée, Château Certan de May, the estate also crafts a second wine named Croix de Certan. Made from the same grape varieties, it offers a more approachable and immediate expression of the terroir. The grapes for Croix de Certan are also hand-picked at full maturity and sorted before vinification.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Certan de May vineyard covers 5.5 hectares. The soils consist of clay and gravel. The grape variety distribution is made up of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the remaining 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The average vine age is around half a century. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand.
Vinification and ageing
Following destemming and crushing, the grapes are transferred into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. These vats are equipped with cooling systems to regulate temperature and ensure a gentle extraction of aromatics and tannins, accompanied by regular pump-overs. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with around 30% renewed each year. Bottling is carried out at the château.
- Appellation
- Pomerol
- Commune
- Pomerol
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Classification
- Pomerol (sans classement officiel)
- Owner
- Famille Barreau-Badar, héritière des de May
- Technical direction
- Jean-Luc Barreau
- Surface area
- 5 ha
- Second wine
- Croix de Certan
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Practical information
- Address
- 26 route Saint Jacques de Compostelle, Pomerol, France, 33500
- Phone
- +33 5 57 51 41 53
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui sur rendez-vous