Poujeaux, Chateau
Summary
Château Poujeaux is a 70-hectare estate in Moulis-en-Médoc owned by the Cuvelier family since 2008, producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot-based Bordeaux blends from diverse soils of gravel, clay-limestone, and sand. Their winemaking balances tradition with precision through plot-by-plot harvesting and measured oak influence, earning Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status while maintaining the structured yet accessible character typical of quality Médoc wines.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Poujeaux stands as one of the leading estates in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. The property's documented history dates back to the 16th century, though it was acquired by the Theil family in the late 19th century, who maintained ownership for several generations. In 2008, a significant transition occurred when the Cuvelier family, already established in Bordeaux as owners of Saint-Émilion's Château Clos Fourtet, purchased the estate.
Under the direction of Philippe Cuvelier and his son Matthieu, Château Poujeaux has been classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel since the 2018 vintage, when the three-tier classification was reintroduced, a recognition that acknowledges its consistent quality within the Médoc region. The technical team includes consulting oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, whose expertise has helped refine the estate's winemaking approach while respecting its established identity.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Poujeaux encompasses approximately 70 hectares of vineyards situated on the gravelly rises of Moulis-en-Médoc. The estate's terroir features a mosaic of soil types characteristic of the Médoc, including deep gravel, clay-limestone, and sandy sections that provide natural drainage and heat retention beneficial for ripening.
The vineyard is planted primarily with the traditional Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot form the backbone of the plantings, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This diversity of grape varieties allows the winemaking team to create balanced blends that reflect both the vintage conditions and the distinctive character of the Moulis terroir.
The estate produces a grand vin, Château Poujeaux, and a second wine, La Salle de Poujeaux. The grand vin typically displays the structured character associated with the Médoc, while offering accessibility earlier than some of its neighbors in more northerly appellations.
Philosophy & Practice
The approach at Château Poujeaux balances respect for traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. Harvest is conducted plot by plot, with grapes hand-picked and sorted to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction of color, tannin, and flavor compounds.
The estate employs a careful aging regimen, with the wines matured in French oak barrels, typically using 30-40% new oak to impart subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit character. This measured approach to oak influence reflects the property's commitment to expressing the nuances of its terroir rather than winemaking technique.
In the vineyard, the team implements sustainable farming practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. The combination of thoughtful vineyard management and precise cellar work has allowed Château Poujeaux to consistently produce wines that truthfully represent the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, offering structure, elegance, and aging potential at a more accessible price point than many classified growths from neighboring appellations.