Petit Gravet Aine, Chateau
Summary
Château Petit Gravet Ainé is a 2.5-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate on the limestone plateau, owned by Catherine Papon-Nouvel and dedicated to Cabernet Franc (80%) and Merlot (20%) cultivation. This boutique producer crafts just 10,000 bottles annually of its single wine, offering an uncommon Cabernet Franc-dominant expression of Saint-Émilion that often outperforms its modest regional profile.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Petit Gravet Aine stands as one of the smaller estates in Saint-Émilion, with a history dating back several generations. The property is currently owned and managed by Catherine Papon-Nouvel, who represents the continuation of family stewardship in this Right Bank appellation. Under her direction, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classified estate maintains traditional Bordeaux practices while implementing precise vineyard management techniques. The chateau itself is situated in the commune of Saint-Émilion, with the vineyards positioned on the limestone plateau and slopes that characterize this prestigious appellation. While not among the largest properties in the region, Petit Gravet Aine has established a reputation for focused production that reflects its specific terroir.
Vineyards & Wines
The vineyards of Chateau Petit Gravet Aine cover approximately 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) of Saint-Émilion terrain. What distinguishes this estate from many of its neighbors is the predominance of Cabernet Franc in the vineyard composition, with approximately 80% dedicated to this variety and the remaining 20% planted to Merlot. This high proportion of Cabernet Franc is unusual for the Right Bank, where Merlot typically dominates. The vineyards benefit from limestone-clay soils that provide good drainage and mineral components that influence the final wines. The estate produces a single wine, the Chateau Petit Gravet Aine Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, which reflects this Cabernet Franc-forward approach. Annual production remains limited due to the small vineyard holdings, resulting in approximately 10,000 bottles per vintage.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Chateau Petit Gravet Aine centers on expressing the distinctive character of their Cabernet Franc-dominated vineyards. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats, allowing for precise extraction of color, tannin, and flavor compounds. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, with approximately 50% new oak used each vintage. The aging period typically extends from 12 to 18 months, depending on the characteristics of the vintage. Throughout the winemaking process, minimal intervention is practiced to preserve the natural expression of the fruit and terroir. This approach results in wines that display the structural elements and aromatic complexity characteristic of Cabernet Franc grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone soils, while maintaining balance and aging potential.