Originally consolidated in the early 1700s by local politician Jean-Francois Pontet, over the first five decades
of the 18th century Jean-Francois’ descendants consolidated a significant amount of land in Pauillac to create
the current estate. This included the acquisition of neighbouring property Maison de Canet in 1750, from which
the château now derives its name. Although the Pontet family jettisoned some lower-quality vineyards in St.
Julien, the basic geographical layout of the property remains largely unchanged. Despite gaining a reputation
for excellent wines at the end of the 18th century, the estate put out a string of sub-par vintages just
prior to the 1855 Classification, resulting in their unfortunate allocation of a 5th Growth ranking.
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Luckily, in 1865, the estate was purchased by the Cruse family who managed to resurrect much of the property’s
earlier glory. Unfortunately, this era was also not to last as a series of poor decisions lead to the estate
being known as a perennial also-ran. Finally, embroiled in controversy for issues related to their other businesses,
the Cruse family was also eventually forced to sell Pontet-Canet.
In 1975 Guy Tesseron purchased the property - thus beginning the modern epoch of Pontet-Canet and capitalising on
his holdings in the Cognac industry in order to do so. Together, Guy and his son Alfred began to turn the property
around, and Pontet-Canet has been going from strength to strength ever since. The estate is still run by Alfred,
with the help of his nieces Melanie and Philippine.
The estate remains one of the largest in the Médoc, with 81 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet
Franc and Petit Verdot planted on gravelly soils. Over recent vintages Pontet-Canet has gained more
widespread recognition and it has become a sought-after wine for both enjoyment and investment, on a par
with some of the best Second Growths.
Viticulture and Vinification
Positioned adjacent to Château Mouton Rothschild, Pontet-Canet is blessed with excellent terroir.
Extensive improvements to vineyard practices over the past twenty years have built on this natural
advantage. This has elevated the estate’s wines to impressive heights – challenging and surpassing
the wines of nearby top estates, particularly in difficult vintages.
Pontet-Canet is unique in Bordeaux in that they have been certified both biodynamic and organic since the 2010
vintage. Synthetic chemicals are not used and there are now horses to work the vineyards because they are
gentler on the soils than tractor tires. Soils which are repeatedly worked by machines may become compacted
over time and this makes it more difficult for vine roots to penetrate deeply enough into the subsoil.
All fruit is handpicked and is placed into small crates that minimise the possibility of the grapes being
crushed before they reach the winery. Careful sorting is done with both vibrating machines and a large group
of workers in order to remove all but the healthiest grapes.
A new and improved vat room was built in the cellars for the 2005 vintage. Upgrades included cone-shaped
stainless steel tanks and cement vats. The cellar also operates entirely by gravity, ensuring that the grapes,
must and wine are all handled as gently as possible.
Parcels are fermented in small lots in order to allow for precise blending. After fermentation, the wine is
run off into barrels, 60% of which are new, where it is then matured for 16 to 20 months.
The estate’s second wine, Hauts de Pontet-Canet, is matured in 100% one year old barrels for 12 months.
Classification
- Château Pontet-Canet – Cinquième Cru Classé 1855 Classification
Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Wines Produced
- Château Pontet-Canet - Grand Vin
- Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet - Second Wine
Order top vintages of Château Pontet-Canet