Vieux Chateau Certan
Summary
Vieux Château Certan, operated by the Thienpont family since 1924 and now led by Alexandre Thienpont, is a 14-hectare Pomerol estate producing red wines from its prime plateau position, where clay-gravel soils and blue clay subsoils support 50-year-old vines. The estate's terroir-matched plantings of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon undergo plot-by-plot harvesting and precise vinification, followed by 18-22 months aging in French oak.
Heritage & Leadership
Vieux Château Certan's history in Pomerol dates to the early 1700s when the Demay family established the estate. The property remained under Demay ownership until 1924-1925, when Georges Thienpont purchased the château. The Thienpont family's tenure marked a new chapter for VCC, with Alexandre Thienpont assuming leadership in 1985. Alexandre, building on the foundation laid by his father Léon, maintains direct oversight of vineyard management and winemaking operations. The property's architectural heritage includes the distinctive pink château, constructed in 1745, which stands as one of Pomerol's original wine estates.
Vineyards & Wines
The 14-hectare estate occupies a privileged position on the Pomerol plateau, with vineyards situated at 35-40 meters above sea level. The terroir comprises a complex mix of clay-gravel soils overlying distinctive blue clay subsoils. The vineyard composition reflects careful adaptation to this terroir: 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The average vine age stands at 50 years, with some parcels exceeding 85 years. Each distinct soil type corresponds to specific grape varieties, with Merlot thriving in the clay-rich sections and Cabernet Franc planted in the gravel-dominant areas.
Philosophy & Practice
VCC's winemaking approach emphasizes precision and minimal intervention. Harvest occurs plot by plot, with grapes sorted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats, with each parcel vinified separately. The wine ages for 18-22 months in French oak barrels, with new oak ranging from 50% to 70% depending on the vintage. The estate maintains a strict replanting program, replacing approximately 3% of vines annually to maintain optimal vine health and grape quality. Yield management typically restricts production to between 35 and 40 hectoliters per hectare.