Domaine Ponty

Identity

Domaine Ponty is located in Fronsac, in the Gironde department. It is currently owned by Hélène Ponty, who took over the estate in 2019 from her father, Michel Ponty.

History and philosophy

The history of Vignobles Ponty began in 1905 with Victor Ponty. The family settled in Fronsac at the beginning of the 20th century. Château du Pavillon joined the family heritage in 1925, followed by Château Grand Renouil in 1938. Michel Ponty managed the estate from 1986 until handing over the reins to his daughter Hélène Ponty in 2019.

Hélène Ponty initiated a conversion to organic and biodynamic viticulture in 2019. The winemaking philosophy aims to minimise intervention and additives, allowing the grapes and terroir to express themselves fully, with a focus on fresh wines boasting vibrant fruit and complexity, where oak ageing enhances the fruity aromas without masking them.

Appellations

Domaine Ponty produces wines primarily under the Canon Fronsac appellation. Certain parcels are also dedicated to the regional Clos Virolle appellation.

Practical information

Domaine Ponty is located at 3, Rue du Port de Fronsac, 33126 Fronsac. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 51 29 57 or +33 (0)6 30 38 48 43, or by email at info@vignoblesponty.com or helene@vignoblesponty.com.

The cellar door is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tours and tastings are available by appointment, including on Saturdays and Sundays. Booking in advance, preferably by email, is recommended. Two types of tour are available: a complimentary classic tour lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours including a tasting of three wines, and a paid half-day winegrower immersion experience (€50 per person), allowing visitors to take part in seasonal vineyard tasks and also including a tasting of three wines.

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The vineyard (terroir)

Domaine Ponty’s vineyard covers a total surface area of 8 hectares. It is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles. The terroir is composed of clay-limestone plateaux and hillsides. The soils of Château du Pavillon are notably characterised by clay and sand.

The grape varieties grown include Merlot, notably for the Château Grand Renouil and Château du Pavillon cuvées. Cabernet Franc is also planted, especially for the Petit Renouil cuvée. In 2003, some of the vines at Château Grand Renouil had an average age of around fifty years.

Flagship cuvées

Domaine Ponty offers several cuvées, including Château Grand Renouil, Château du Pavillon, Petit Renouil, L'An-Clos, and Rosa.

• Château Grand Renouil: This grand vin originates from the clay-limestone plateau and hillsides of Canon Fronsac. It displays balance and complexity, with a notable presence of Merlot.
• Château du Pavillon: This cuvée showcases Merlot on warm clay and sandy terroirs.
• Petit Renouil: This cuvée offers a fruitier profile, dominated by Cabernet Franc.

Vinification and ageing

Winemaking practices aim to minimise intervention to preserve the quality of the grapes and terroir. Ageing can take place in concrete vats and oak casks, or exclusively in oak barrels, with varying durations. For instance, some vintages of Château Grand Renouil were aged for twelve months in oak barrels.