Chenade, Chateau La
Summary
Chateau La Chenade is a modest-sized Thienpont family estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from clay and gravel soils near the Pomerol border. The estate combines traditional hand-harvesting with precise temperature-controlled fermentation techniques, creating wines that consistently outperform their appellation designation and price point under the family's expert guidance.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau La Chenade is a wine estate situated in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, France. The property functions as a sister estate to Chateau Les Cruzelles, with both under the ownership of the prominent Thienpont family. While the estate has been producing wine since at least the late 20th century, it gained more significant recognition during the 1990s and 2000s.
The estate operates under the direction of Denis Thienpont, with Nicolas Thienpont also involved in management, part of the broader Thienpont family whose viticultural influence in Bordeaux extends to other prestigious properties including Vieux Chateau Certan and Le Pin. The family brings generations of winemaking expertise to this Lalande-de-Pomerol property, applying their knowledge of Right Bank terroir and traditional Bordeaux winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau La Chenade's vineyards, likely spanning between 5-10 hectares, are positioned within the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, strategically located near the border with the more famous Pomerol appellation. This proximity contributes to similarities in terroir characteristics while maintaining the distinct identity of Lalande-de-Pomerol. The vineyard soils consist primarily of clay and gravel, typical of this Right Bank appellation.
The vineyard plantings reflect the traditional Right Bank preference for Merlot, with approximately 80% of the vineyard dedicated to this variety. The remaining 20% is planted to Cabernet Franc, which adds structural elements and aromatic complexity to the final blend. This varietal composition aligns with the estate's goal of producing medium to full-bodied wines characterized by red and black fruit flavors complemented by soft tannins.
The estate produces a single wine under the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation designation. As with all wines from this appellation, Chateau La Chenade does not fall under any of the official Bordeaux classification systems, as Lalande-de-Pomerol has no formal classification hierarchy.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Chateau La Chenade follows traditional Bordeaux methods while incorporating modern technology to enhance quality and consistency. The production process begins with careful attention in the vineyard, where grapes are harvested by hand and meticulously sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winemaking facility.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing for precise management of the extraction process. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels for approximately 12-15 months before bottling. The oak regimen typically employs a lower percentage of new barrels compared to more premium Bordeaux estates, helping to preserve the fruit character while adding subtle complexity.
This approach to winemaking results in wines that display the characteristic richness of Lalande-de-Pomerol while maintaining approachability, particularly in their youth. The Thienpont family's expertise in Right Bank winemaking is evident in the consistent quality of Chateau La Chenade, which has established itself as a respected producer within the appellation.