Petit-Village, Chateau
Summary
Château Petit-Village is a historic 10.5-hectare Pomerol estate on the Right Bank plateau producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from complex gravel, clay, and iron-rich soils neighboring prestigious properties like La Conseillante. The estate combines traditional methods with precise techniques, including hand-harvesting, parcel-by-parcel vinification in temperature-controlled tanks, and 15-18 month aging in French oak barrels while maintaining sustainable viticulture practices that express their specific terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Petit-Village stands as one of the historic estates in Pomerol, with roots dating back to the 18th century. Unlike properties in neighboring appellations, Petit-Village operates outside the 1855 classification system, as Pomerol has never established an official hierarchy among its estates. The property changed hands several times throughout its history before being acquired by AXA Millésimes in 1989, marking a significant turning point in its development. In 2020, the estate was sold to the Moulin family and Cathiard family, owners of Château Beauregard.
Under AXA Millésimes' stewardship, Petit-Village has undergone substantial investment in both vineyard management and winemaking facilities. In 2020, the estate welcomed Diana Berrouet-Garcia as Technical Director, bringing her experience from other prestigious Right Bank properties to oversee all aspects of production. The management team also includes Guillaume Thienpont as Estate Manager, continuing the influence of the Thienpont family in Pomerol viticulture. This leadership transition coincided with a comprehensive review of the estate's terroir and winemaking approach.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Petit-Village encompasses 10.5 hectares of vineyards situated on the plateau of Pomerol, adjacent to several notable neighbors including Château La Conseillante. The vineyard composition includes 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, planted at a density of 6,500 to 7,000 vines per hectare. This planting density promotes competition among vines, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavors.
The estate benefits from Pomerol's distinctive terroir, with soils featuring a complex mix of gravel, clay, and sand with iron-rich deposits locally known as "*crasse de fer*". These soils provide excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during dry periods. The vineyard sits at a modest elevation of approximately 35 meters above sea level, typical of the Pomerol plateau. Petit-Village produces approximately 30,000 bottles annually of its grand vin, with a second wine called Le Jardin de Petit-Village representing 30% of production.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Château Petit-Village centers on expressing the specific character of its terroir through precise vineyard management and careful vinification. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted twice—once in the vineyard and again at the cellar—to ensure only optimal fruit enters production. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with each vineyard parcel vinified separately to preserve its distinct characteristics.
Following fermentation, the wine ages for 15-18 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak for the grand vin. The estate implemented a gravity-flow system during a cellar renovation in 2013, eliminating pumping to minimize mechanical intervention. Recent technical improvements include optical sorting equipment and smaller fermentation vessels allowing for more precise parcel-by-parcel vinification. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with reduced chemical inputs, though it does not hold organic or biodynamic certification. This measured approach to both tradition and technology reflects Petit-Village's commitment to quality and terroir expression within the distinctive Pomerol landscape.