Château Pontac Monplaisir

Identity

Château Pontac Monplaisir is a winegrowing estate located in Villenave-d'Ornon, in the Gironde department (33). It is currently owned by Alain Maufras and is set to join Domaines de Moncets in 2026. The estate's consultant oenologist is Thomas Duclos.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Pontac Monplaisir is intimately linked with the Pontac family, who made a profound mark on the Bordeaux region during the 16th and 17th centuries. Count Jacques de Pontac, advisor and secretary to the King, Chief Clerk of the Bordeaux Parliament Court, and later Mayor of Bordeaux, also owned several estates, including the property that would become the renowned Domaine de Haut-Brion (then known as Pontac Haut-Brion). In 1885, the Count of Pontac turned the Domaine de Pontac into a hunting lodge and styled himself Lord of Monplaisir, thus giving Château Pontac Monplaisir its current name.

Following the French Revolution, the estate was divided and passed through several hands. In 1920, Auguste Maufras acquired the property, which then spanned 50 hectares of vineyard. In 1955, his successor Jean Maufras undertook a restructuring of the vineyard, replanting noble grape varieties and renovating the cellars and vat rooms to enable bottling at the château. Renowned oenologists such as Émile Peynaud and Athanase Fakorellis have provided technical guidance to the estate.

The estate is certified HVE 3.

Appellations

Château Pontac Monplaisir produces wines under the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

Practical information

Château Pontac Monplaisir is located at 15 Chemin de Martillac, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon. Another address listed is 20 Rue Maurice Utrillo, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon. For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 51 19 33 or +33 (0)6 09 28 80 88, or by email at contact@domaines-moncets.com or contact@pontac-monplaisir.fr.

Estate visits are not currently open to the public. Tours and hospitality experiences showcasing the Domaines de Moncets range are available at Château Moncets, located in Néac. The estate offers direct sales on-site.

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The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Pontac Monplaisir extends across a total surface area of 16 hectares. 13 hectares are dedicated to red grape varieties and 2.50 hectares to white grape varieties. The terroir is characterised by gravel soils resting on a clay-limestone subsoil.

Flagship cuvées

• Château Pontac Monplaisir Rouge: This principal cuvée is crafted from a blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Cabernet Franc (5%). It is distinguished by intense aromas and a balanced structure.
• Château Pontac Monplaisir Blanc: The main white cuvée is composed of Sauvignon blanc (50%), Sémillon (30%), and Sauvignon gris (20%). It offers a fresh, aromatic expression of the terroir.
• Château Limbourg Rouge: This cuvée features a blend similar to the estate's primary red wine, with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It is renowned for its richness and persistence.
• Château Limbourg Blanc: A white wine crafted from 50% Sauvignon blanc, 30% Sémillon, and 20% Sauvignon gris, delivering lovely aromatic complexity.
• Cuvée PM: A confidential cuvée produced only in exceptional vintages, blending 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is prized for its concentration and ageing potential.
• PRÉMICES Rouge: This second wine is predominantly made of Merlot (65%) complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (35%). It offers a fruity and approachable character.
• PRÉMICES Blanc: The estate's second white wine.