Château le Pin
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Château Le Pin is a Pomerol estate owned by the Thienpont family. Renowned for its unique red wine, crafted predominantly from Merlot on clay-gravel soils, it is aged entirely in new oak barrels.
Identity
Château Le Pin is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Pomerol, in Gironde. It is owned by the Thienpont family, with Jacques Thienpont as its key figure.
History and Philosophy
The vineyard, which initially covered one hectare, was acquired by Jacques Thienpont in 1979 from the Laubie family, who had owned it since 1924. The estate takes its name from a solitary pine tree growing near the cellar. In 2011, a new cellar designed by Robbrecht en Daem architecten was unveiled. The estate adheres to traditional vineyard management practices, including severe pruning and draconian grape selection. Very few phytosanitary treatments are applied. No wine was produced in 2003 and 2013 due to adverse weather conditions.
Appellations
Château Le Pin produces its wines under the Pomerol Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, set in the heart of the winegrowing plateau.
Flagship Wines
Château Le Pin produces a single red wine, renowned for its intense aromas marked by notes of new oak, smokiness (toast, mocha), black fruit (blackcurrant), and exotic spices. Average annual production ranges from under 6,000 to 8,500 bottles. This wine offers an ageing potential spanning from 10 to 50 years.
Practical Information
The estate is located at Grands-Champs, 33500 Pomerol. Visits are available by appointment. The estate does not offer direct sales on-site, mail order sales, accommodation, or dining facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
- Who owns Château le Pin and where is it located?
- Château le Pin is owned by Jacques Thienpont and is located in the commune of Pomerol, in Gironde. The estate is renowned for producing wine under the Pomerol Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée. The Thienpont family acquired the vineyard in 1979 and has since forged its stellar reputation. The estate's name is inspired by a solitary pine tree growing near the cellar, which was inaugurated in 2011.
- What is the composition of the terroir and the grape varieties at Château le Pin?
- The terroir of Château le Pin is defined by clay-gravel and sandy-gravel soils with a notable presence of "crasse de fer", a mixture of gravel, clay, and sand. The vineyard benefits from a full southern exposure. The grape varieties are almost exclusively Merlot, accounting for 98% to 100% of the planted vines, complemented by 2% of various red grape varieties. The average age of the vines is around 35 to 38 years, spread across 7 parcels covering a total surface area of 2.2 to 2.7 hectares.
- How are vinification and ageing carried out at Château le Pin?
- Vinification at Château le Pin involves fermentation and maceration in seven small stainless-steel vats for roughly two weeks. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out in barrels. Wine ageing extends over 18 to 24 months in new oak barrels that are 100% renewed every vintage. The cellar is equipped with a gravity-flow system to optimize the process. These techniques contribute to the wine's intense aromatic profile.
- What are the distinctive characteristics of the wine produced by Château le Pin?
- Château le Pin produces a single red wine under the Pomerol appellation. This wine is celebrated for its intense aromas of new oak, smokiness (toast, mocha), black fruit (blackcurrant), and exotic spices. It boasts remarkable ageing potential, lasting anywhere from 10 to 50 years. Average annual production is extremely limited, varying between fewer than 6,000 and 8,500 bottles. Traditional viticultural methods and rigorous selection are applied, with no production in vintages where weather conditions are unfavourable.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The vineyard spans a planted surface area of 2.2 to 2.7 hectares, divided across 7 parcels. The soils consist of a blend of gravel, clay, and sand, distinguished by a high concentration of "crasse de fer" (iron pan). The vineyard benefits from a full southern exposure. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (98% to 100% depending on sources), complemented by various other red grape varieties (2%). The average age of the vines is around 35 to 38 years.
Vinification and Ageing
Fermentation and maceration take place in seven small stainless-steel vats for approximately two weeks. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels. Ageing lasts between 18 and 24 months in new oak barrels, which are completely renewed every year. The cellar operates using a gravity-flow system.
- Appellation
- Pomerol
- Commune
- Pomerol
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Classification
- Pomerol (sans classement officiel)
- Owner
- Jacques Thienpont
- Technical direction
- Jacques Thienpont
- Surface area
- 2 ha
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 98%
Practical information
- Address
- Les Grands-Champs, 33500 Pomerol
- Phone
- +33557502938
- wings@wingswine.com
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Oui sur rendez-vous