L'Hetre
Summary
L'Hetre is the Thienpont family's 10-hectare Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux estate, producing Merlot-dominated wines from clay-limestone soils on the same plateau that extends from Saint-Émilion. Under Guillaume Thienpont's technical direction, the estate applies the family's meticulous low-yield, minimal-intervention approach that has elevated both their own portfolio and the emerging appellation's standing in the fine wine world.
Heritage & Leadership
L'Hêtre represents a relatively recent addition to the Thienpont family's collection of Bordeaux estates. In 2015, Jacques Thienpont, owner of the acclaimed Le Pin in Pomerol, and his sister Anne acquired this property in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The estate sits on the limestone plateau that extends eastward from Saint-Émilion, offering similar geological conditions to its more famous neighbor.
The Thienpont family brings considerable expertise to this venture, with Jacques drawing on his experience at Le Pin while his nephew, Guillaume Thienpont, oversees the technical direction of the vineyard and winemaking. This property marks an expansion of the family's interests beyond their traditional holdings in Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, demonstrating their recognition of Castillon's potential for producing high-quality wines.
Vineyards & Wines
L'Hêtre encompasses approximately 10 hectares of vineyards situated on the limestone plateau of Castillon. The vineyards benefit from an elevation of approximately 100 meters, with predominantly clay-limestone soils that provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The vineyard composition favors Merlot as the dominant variety, complemented by smaller plantings of Cabernet Franc.
The estate produces two wines: the flagship L'Hêtre and a second wine called La Raison d'Hêtre. Both wines reflect the terroir's capacity for producing structured yet elegant expressions of primarily Merlot-based blends. The vineyard's position on the limestone plateau contributes distinctive mineral characteristics to the wines, while the careful management of the vineyard ensures optimal ripening of the fruit.
Philosophy & Practice
The Thienponts apply their meticulous approach to viticulture at L'Hêtre, focusing on low yields and careful vineyard management to maximize quality. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the terroir expression to dominate. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, followed by aging in French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak to preserve fruit purity.
The family's decision to invest in Castillon reflects their belief in the region's potential to produce wines of distinction at more accessible price points than neighboring Saint-Émilion. Their approach combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques with modern precision, resulting in wines that balance structure with approachability. The estate represents the Thienpont family's commitment to exploring promising terroirs beyond the most famous appellations of Bordeaux.