Bourgneuf, Chateau
Summary
Château Bourgneuf is a family-owned Pomerol estate spanning 9 hectares on the appellation's plateau, where the Vayron family produces Merlot-dominant wines from clay and gravel soils that contribute to their structural integrity and aging potential. The estate maintains traditional Bordeaux practices through hand harvesting and French oak aging while focusing exclusively on a single wine that expresses the classic Pomerol profile of rich concentration and velvety texture.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Bourgneuf stands as one of the established properties in Pomerol, located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The estate has been in the hands of the Vayron family since the early 20th century, representing one of Pomerol's long-standing family operations. The current generation is led by Frédérique Vayron, who continues the family's winemaking tradition. Unlike many Bordeaux properties, Château Bourgneuf maintains a relatively low profile, focusing on consistent quality rather than marketing prominence. The estate's position in Pomerol places it among the select group of producers working within this small but significant appellation, known for its Merlot-dominant wines.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Bourgneuf's vineyards cover approximately 9 hectares in the Pomerol appellation. The vineyard composition follows Pomerol's typical pattern with a dominance of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc. The estate benefits from Pomerol's distinctive terroir, characterized by clay and gravel soils that provide excellent conditions for Merlot cultivation. This soil structure, typical of the better sites in Pomerol, contributes to the wine's structure and aging potential. The property sits on the Pomerol plateau, sharing the appellation with numerous other respected estates. The wines of Château Bourgneuf express the classic Pomerol profile: rich, concentrated Merlot-based wines with structure provided by the Cabernet Franc component.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Château Bourgneuf adheres to traditional Bordeaux methods, with careful attention to the expression of Pomerol's terroir. Harvest is conducted by hand, allowing for careful selection of fruit. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This approach preserves the character of the fruit while allowing for the gradual integration of tannins and development of complexity. The estate produces a single wine under the Château Bourgneuf label, focusing their efforts on maximizing the quality of their primary offering rather than creating multiple tiers or second wines. This focused approach reflects the estate's commitment to quality over quantity, a philosophy that aligns with the limited size of the Pomerol appellation itself.