Château Puy Castéra
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Château Puy Castéra is an HVE-certified winegrowing estate in Haut-Médoc, producing red, white, and rosé wines. A member of the Crus Bourgeois, it is renowned for its 63-hectare vineyard planted on Pyrenean gravel.
Identity
Château Puy Castéra is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Cissac-Médoc, in the Gironde. The estate is owned by Thomas C.Press. It has been part of the Crus Bourgeois family since 1932 and is classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. From February 2025, it will rise to the rank of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.
History and Philosophy
The estate's history dates back to an ancient Gallic oppidum recorded around the year 900. The de Lilhan family was one of the earliest noble lineages of Castera. The vineyard was later shaped by the Les Verthamon family. Historical figures such as Michel de Montaigne, Thomas de Montaigne, and Étienne de La Boétie have all left their mark on the estate's heritage. In 1986, the current owner's father ushered in a new era for the property. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture and is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE). It also takes part in the "Cultivons demain" programme and was awarded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) certification in 2024.
Appellations
Château Puy Castéra crafts wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The estate also produces wines under the Bordeaux Blanc appellation.
Practical Information
Château Puy Castéra is located at 8 route du Castéra, 33250 Cissac-Médoc. The estate is open year-round. Visits and tastings are complimentary. It is open every weekend by appointment, and visits are strictly by appointment only. Direct cellar-door sales are available. Guided tours are temporarily suspended.
Telephone: +33 (0)5 56 59 58 80 Email: contact@puycastera.fr
Find Out More
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Puy Castéra located?
- Château Puy Castéra is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Cissac-Médoc, in the Gironde. Its vineyard plots extend across the neighbouring communes of Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil and Ordonnac.
- Which appellations does Château Puy Castéra produce?
- Château Puy Castéra produces wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation as well as the Bordeaux Blanc appellation. It is also officially recognised as a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur.
- What is the grape variety composition of the Château Puy Castéra vineyard?
- The Château Puy Castéra vineyard spans 63 hectares. The grape variety distribution is 47% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The vines have an average age of 30 years.
- What are the arrangements for visits and tastings at Château Puy Castéra?
- The estate is open year-round. Visits and tastings are complimentary. It is open every weekend by prior appointment, and all visits must be booked in advance. Direct sales are available on-site at the property.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The Château Puy Castéra vineyard covers an area of 63 hectares, set within a wider 120-hectare estate dedicated to biodiversity. The vines are planted on clay-limestone soils composed of Pyrenean gravel. The average vine age is 30 years, with an average planting density of 6,000 vines per hectare. The average yield is 45 hectolitres per hectare. The plots are located across the communes of Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil and Ordonnac. The grape varieties planted consist of Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Merlot (47%), Cabernet Franc (17%), and Petit Verdot (1%).
Signature Cuvées
The flagship cuvée, Château Puy Castéra, is a red wine crafted from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is characterised by a style typically described as elegant and complex. The estate also produces a second wine, Château Holden.
The estate offers several other cuvées under the Cap Castera label:
- Cap Castera Blanc de Noir, crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Cap Castera Rosé, a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Cap Castera Petit Verdot, a single-varietal 100% Petit Verdot wine.
Vinification and Ageing
Vinification is carried out using traditional methods in concrete vats. The wines undergo ageing in oak barrels for 12 months, with 30% new oak.
- Appellations
- Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
- Commune
- Cissac-Médoc
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- Roger Marés
- Surface area
- 29 ha
- Second wine
- Château Holden
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 47%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 17%, Petit Verdot 1%
Practical information
- Address
- 8 route du Castéra, 33250 Cissac-Médoc
- Phone
- 05 56 59 58 80
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- Open all year long, free visit and tasting, open every weekend by appointment, visits only by appointment.