Chateau Pontet-Canet
The First Grand Cru Classé certified organic and biodynamic
Located in the heart of Pauillac on Bordeaux’s left bank, Château Pontet‑Canet was classified as a 5ème Cru Classé in the prestigious 1855 classification. The estate distinguishes itself through a bold vision and commitment to the motherland, not just through vintage strength, but through a pioneering approach to viticulture and winemaking that blends tradition with innovation.
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Organic and Biodynamically certified
2025
81 hectares
Interesting fact: As an unusual move for a major Bordeaux estate, the estate replaced tractors with horses to plough its vineyards to reduce soil compaction and preserve the ecosystem of the terroir. Thousands of horn-filled cow-horns are buried and then used to develop biodynamic sprays, and a dedicated “tisanerie” (herbal infusion room) underpins the estate’s alternative farming methods.
The estate is the first among the Grands Crus Classés to be awarded double certification, both organic and biodynamic, for the whole vineyard.
Background
Founded in 1705 by Jean-François de Pontet after acquiring land near Pauillac, the estate later added the Canet parcel in 1757, hence the combined name. In 1865, Herman Cruse acquired the property and modernised the cellars and vineyards, and in 1975, the estate was purchased by Guy Tesseron, whose family continues to own and guide the estate today.
Their core philosophy emphasises respect for terroir, thoughtful interventions, and longevity in the glass. The estate’s vision is to create wines of great depth and finesse while nurturing the living vineyard and soils. Their vineyard sites span across 81 hectares planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, on gravelly soils with clay-limestone under-layers and within view of neighbouring legends such as Château Mouton Rothschild.
All vineyards are certified biodynamic and organic. The estate was one of the first Grands Crus Classés in Bordeaux to embrace this path. By avoiding heavy machinery on most of the vineyard, using horses for ploughing to protect soil structure, integrating cover crops, hedgerows, livestock, composted organic matter and biodynamic preparations, they have developed a holistic approach to vineyard management.
Grapes are planted at high density with an average vine age of 50 years old. The vineyards are planted with varieties including approximately 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot (figures vary with vintage). These indigenous Bordeaux varieties are managed plot by plot to express the unique terroir found in Pauillac’s gravel-heavy ridge.
The winemaking process at Pontet-Canet allows each parcel of grapes to showcase its unique identity. The grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before being fermented in a variety of vessels, including concrete and wooden vats, among others. During the blending process, each sample from the different individual plots is thoroughly assessed in the tasting glass before blending. The winery is committed to capturing the original purity of the grapes in the final wine.
