Château les Ormes de Pez

Identity

Château Les Ormes de Pez is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Estèphe, in the Gironde department. It is owned by the Cazes family. General management is overseen by Jean-Charles Cazes, while Quentin Dupla serves as cellar master, supported by consultant oenologists Daniel Llose and Nicolas Labenne.

History and Philosophy

The history of Château Les Ormes de Pez dates back to the mid-18th century, when it was known as Domaine de Pez—a term meaning "peace" in the local dialect. Over the decades, several families succeeded one another at the helm of the estate, notably Southard, Pieck, Berthé, Carrère, Alibert, Meiners, Allemand, Eschenauer, Johnson, and Miaihle.

Around 1880, Marie Cazes married Jean Guillou, the estate's master vine-grower. Following his death, Marie Cazes took charge of the property. In 1940, Jean-Charles Cazes acquired the estate, bringing it into the Cazes family, who have owned it ever since.

In the early 1980s, Jean-Michel Cazes undertook extensive renovation and modernisation work on the 18th-century buildings. The illustration of the elm trees ("ormes") appeared on the wine's label in 2003, despite this mythical tree variety having died out across Europe in the 1950s. The elegant manor house has since been converted into a guest house.

The Appellations

The estate's parcels produce wines under the Saint-Estèphe appellation.

Practical Information

Château Les Ormes de Pez is located at 29 Route des Ormes de Pez, 33180 Saint-Estèphe. For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 73 24 00 or +33 (0)6 79 48 32 47, or by email at contact@ormesdepez.com or visit@ormesdepez.com.

Visits are available by appointment, and tastings can be arranged at the property. The estate also offers guest accommodation. Wine sales are available directly on site.

Learn More

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The Château Les Ormes de Pez vineyard covers an area of 40 hectares. It is characterised by soils composed of Garonne gravel and sandy-clay formations. The average age of the vines is 21 years.

The red grape varieties planted are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Merlot (39%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (4%).

Flagship Cuvées

The estate's principal wine is Château Les Ormes de Pez, a still red wine. It generally displays tannic structure and depth that allow for prolonged cellaring. Recent vintages can be enjoyed after a few years of ageing, with cellaring potential extending over many years.

Vinification and Ageing

Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, with 45% new oak used during maturation.