Château Puynard

Identity

Château Puynard is a winegrowing estate located in Berson, in the Gironde department. It is currently owned by Naomi and David Watson. Prior to 2016, the property was managed by Nicolas Grégoire.

History and philosophy

The foundations of the château date back to the 13th century, and it was remodelled in the 18th century. Notable former owners include the Duc Louis de Saint-Simon and Chrétien Laumonier des Murgès. The estate was acquired in 2002 by Nicolas Grégoire. In 2016, Naomi and David Watson, previously owners of a wine merchant business in London, took over the property. The vineyard is actively undergoing conversion towards organic certification.

Appellations

The wines of Château Puynard are produced under the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

Practical information

Château Puynard is located at 6, avenue de la Libération, 33390 Berson, France. Cellar door tastings and direct sales are available, and visits are by appointment. The estate also offers mail-order sales.

To contact the estate:

• Telephone: +33 5 57 64 33 21 or +353 85 8494846
• Email: info@chateaupuynard.com or naomi@chateaupuynard.com

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Puynard covers a single continuous block of 17 hectares. It is situated on the heights of Berson at an altitude of approximately 65 metres, close to the Gironde. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon. For the cuvée « The Steps », the soils are clay-limestone. The cuvée « La Toile » comes from a 15-hectare parcel planted at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare.

Flagship cuvées

Château Puynard produces several cuvées, notably « Tradition », « Le Chêne », and « The Steps ». The cuvée « The Steps » is crafted from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The cuvée « La Toile », certified organic in 2020, is a white wine vinified in stainless steel vats for the Colombard and in one-year-old barrels for the Sémillon. The estate also produces the cuvée « L'Attache », which benefits from vinification and ageing carried out entirely in new oak barrels.

Vinification and ageing

For the cuvée « La Toile », the grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification of the Colombard takes place in stainless steel vats, with temperature control and monitoring for gentle extraction, while the Sémillon is aged in one-year-old oak barrels. The cuvée « L'Attache » is distinguished by integral vinification and ageing entirely in 100% new oak barrels.