Croizet-Bages, Chateau
Summary
Château Croizet-Bages is a 30-hectare Fifth Growth Pauillac estate owned by the Quié family since 1942, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blends from well-draining Günzian gravel soils along the Gironde estuary. The estate combines traditional methods with measured modernization, employing hand-harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and 18-month aging in French oak with 30-40% new barrels to create structured wines that authentically express Pauillac's distinctive character.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Croizet-Bages stands as a Fifth Growth estate from the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, located in the Pauillac appellation. The property's documented history traces back to the Croizet family, who gave the estate its name and managed it until the mid-20th century. A significant transition occurred in 1942 when Paul Quié acquired the château, incorporating it into his family's growing portfolio of Bordeaux properties. This acquisition marked the beginning of the Quié family's stewardship that continues to the present day.
The estate is now under the direction of François-Xavier Quié, who manages Château Croizet-Bages alongside the family's other notable property, Château Rauzan-Gassies in Margaux. The Quié family has maintained a deliberate approach to the estate's development, focusing on preserving its traditional character while implementing necessary modernizations to the winemaking facilities. Under their guidance, Château Croizet-Bages maintains its position within the historical framework of Pauillac's classified growths.
Vineyards & Wines
The vineyards of Château Croizet-Bages encompass approximately 30 hectares in the Pauillac appellation, situated on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The property benefits from the classic Médoc terroir, featuring the gravelly soils that define the region and provide excellent drainage for the vines. These Günzian gravel soils rest upon a clay-limestone subsoil, creating the foundation for the estate's wine production.
The vineyard plantings follow traditional Bordeaux proportions with Cabernet Sauvignon dominating at approximately 60% of the area, complemented by Merlot at around 35%, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot completing the balance. This varietal mix reflects the classic Pauillac approach, prioritizing structure and aging potential. The estate produces a grand vin, Château Croizet-Bages, and typically a second wine that allows for stricter selection for the primary offering.
Philosophy & Practice
At Château Croizet-Bages, winemaking adheres to traditional Bordeaux methods with careful adaptation of modern techniques where beneficial. Harvest is conducted by hand, with sorting taking place both in the vineyard and at the winery to ensure only optimal fruit enters production. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process.
The aging program typically involves 18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30-40% new oak used each vintage. This measured approach to oak influence aims to support the wine's structure while preserving the expression of fruit and terroir. The Quié family's approach emphasizes consistency and typicity, focusing on producing wines that reflect the distinctive character of Pauillac. Their winemaking philosophy balances respect for traditional methods with practical improvements to quality, maintaining the estate's position within the hierarchy of Bordeaux's classified growths.