Vieux Château Certan

Identity

Vieux Château Certan is an estate located in the commune of Pomerol. The property is managed by the Thienpont family, with Alexandre Thienpont at the helm and Guillaume Thienpont serving as oenologist.

History and Philosophy

The estate is among the oldest known crus of Pomerol, with the site recorded as "Sertan" on the Belleyme map as early as 1785. Its history dates back to the early 16th century with the Demay family. In 1858, Charles de Bousquet owned the current buildings. Vieux Château Certan was acquired by Georges Thienpont in 1924, and the Thienpont family has held ownership for a century. The estate practices sustainable viticulture (lutte raisonnée).

Appellations

Vieux Château Certan produces its wines under the Pomerol appellation.

Practical Information

The estate is located at 1, route de Lussac, 33500 Pomerol. Visits are available by appointment. For any inquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone at +33 (0)5 57 51 17 33 or by email at info@vieuxchateaucertan.com.

Find Out More

Official estate website

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard spans 14 contiguous hectares divided into 23 parcels. The soils exhibit great diversity, ranging from clay to clay-gravel and very gravelly compositions, alongside deposits of "crasse de fer" (iron-rich hardpan). The average age of the vines is around 50 years. The grape varieties are predominantly Merlot (between 60% and 70%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (between 25% and 30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (between 5% and 10%). The specific microclimate of the Pomerol plateau shapes the terroir. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Signature Cuvées

The estate's grand vin is Vieux Château Certan, a red wine renowned for its finesse and elegance. The second wine of the estate is La Gravette de Certan.

Vinification and Ageing

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled oak vats, without the addition of selected yeasts or other commercial additives. Extraction is gentle. Ageing takes place in oak barrels and lasts approximately 18 months.