Dynamic alliance, powerful elegance, and gravelly expression

Fifth Grand Cru Classé of 1855, Château Pontet-Canet is a jewel of Pauillac, renowned for its intense, structured wines with remarkable purity. Owned by the Tesseron family since 1975 and a pioneer of large-scale biodynamics, the 81-hectare estate is led by Alfred Tesseron, supported by the oenologist Jean-Michel Comme, in a continuous quest for harmony between terroir and finesse.

An exceptional terroir

The vineyard, a block of deep Günzian gravel laid on compact limestone, is subdivided into nearly 100 plots across two major sectors: one predominantly Cabernet near the château, the other more Merlot on the edge of the Garonne. High density (≈9,500 vines/ha), average vine age of 35 to 45 years, for controlled yields.

Classic and precise blending

The grape composition reflects the ideal structure of Pauillac: ≈62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. The grand wine relies on a rich blend expressing balance, precision, and depth.

Committed viticulture

The first grand cru classé of the Médoc certified organic and then biodynamic, the estate works by hand, without filtration, promoting soil life and vine vitality. Harvesting is entirely manual, without using computers to guide harvest and fermentation decisions.

Balanced vinification & aging

Fermentation takes place in concrete and stainless steel vats by micro-lots, without pumping, with long maceration (3–4 weeks). Aging lasts 16 to 20 months, divided between ≈50-60% new barrels, amphorae, and foudres, for a refined structure and pure fruit expression.

Style & reference wines

Château Pontet-Canet: very dark color, complex nose of black fruits, spices, graphite, menthol, and truffle. The palate combines power, saline tension, chiseled tannins, and a vibrant long finish. Its balance makes it an exceptional wine for aging, capable of evolving 25 to 40 years, often considered a "Super Fifth".
Les Hauts de Pontet: second wine that embodies the characteristic elegance of Pontet with more freshness and immediate pleasure.