Winery Overview & History
Vieux Château Certan is one of Pomerol’s oldest and most revered estates, renowned for its harmony and understated grandeur. Founded in the 18th century by the Demay family, it predates many of its celebrated neighbors. Since 1924, it has been owned and managed by the Thienpont family, whose name is also linked to the legendary Le Pin.
Under the direction of Alexandre Thienpont, and now his son Guillaume, VCC continues to express the quiet confidence of Pomerol — a wine of grace, precision, and soul.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The 14-hectare vineyard lies on the Pomerol plateau, adjacent to Château Petrus and La Conseillante. Its soils are a perfect blend of gravel, clay, and sand, allowing exceptional drainage and complexity. The microclimate, slightly cooler than nearby estates, gives wines of balance and refined tension.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The vineyard is planted with Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (25%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). This composition produces wines of striking depth and harmony. The Merlot lends velvet and warmth, while Cabernet Franc adds aromatic lift and structure.
VCC is admired for its pure red and black fruit, floral perfume, and silky yet precise tannins. Each vintage combines richness and restraint — a reflection of both land and philosophy.
Signature Wines
- Vieux Château Certan (Grand Vin) — The flagship wine, aged for 16–22 months in 60–80% new French oak, revered for its balance and longevity.
- La Gravette de Certan — The second wine, sourced from younger vines, offering early approachability and the same elegant DNA.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Grapes are hand-harvested by parcel, fermented in temperature-controlled oak vats, and aged in fine-grained barrels. The philosophy is one of gentle precision — each plot vinified separately to preserve authenticity. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, maintaining their natural purity and structure.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: 33500 Pomerol, France
Phone: +33 5 57 51 91 92
Website: www.vieuxchateaucertan.com
Email: contact@vieuxchateaucertan.com
Visiting: By appointment only
* Photo Courtesy of Cult Wines