Château Poujeaux (Sustainable)

The name “Château Poujeaux” first appeared in 1806 but Terre de Poujeaux, situated in Moulis-en-Médoc, had existed since the Middle Ages.  At that time, it belonged to Latour Saint Mambert, now Château Latour, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac.  During the 19th century, the estate produced its first wines and became truly independent.
Previously divided up into three entities, it was only at the end of the 20th century and thanks to the Theil family that Poujeaux’s structure and size were restored.  The estate regained its historic form in 1956, unified with 100 hectares of which 70 hectares were under vine.  In 2008, the estate was acquired by the Cuvelier family, already owners of the famous Clos Fourtet, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion.

Château Poujeaux is set upon the magnificent gravel slopes of Grand-Poujeaux, a single unbroken parcel of land to the northeast of Moulis.  Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (40%), the Médoc’s most famous grape varieties, are planted alongside Petit Verdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).  The soil types and grape varieties are perfectly matched, giving rich, elegant wines.
The roundness and charm of Merlot is counterbalanced by the tension and energy of Cabernet Sauvignon.  Petit Verdot, despite making up a small proportion of the blend, brings powerful structure and a rich aromatic palate.  Finally, Cabernet Franc offers added complexity.  Rigor and vigilance are keystones in a constant search for the optimal expression of this precious terroir.

Won over by the quality of the wines and recognizing the potential of the terroir, the Cuvelier family have brought a decidedly modern touch to Poujeaux, raising its profile to place it among the best loved fine wines of Bordeaux.
Today, Matthieu Cuvelier and Christophe Labenne co-manage Château Poujeaux with enthusiasm and a determination to perpetuate and transmit Château Poujeaux’s family and team spirit.  The vineyard and winery teams follow the technical advice given by Stéphane Derenoncourt, driven by passion and experience.

• Owner: Famille Philippe Cuvelier
• Manager: Matthieu Cuvelier
• Director: Christophe Labenne
• Vineyard Manager: Stéphane Dubrulle
• Cellar Master: Daniel Bercion
• Consulting Oenologue: Stéphane Derenoncourt

Appellation: Moulis-en-Medoc

Soil: Gravel

Average Age of the Vines: 35 years old

Grape Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc

Viticulture: The plots of vines are tended with great care through every season of the year.  The 70-hectare vineyard is managed with sustainable agriculture techniques and tilling of the soils.  Care for the earth is paramount.  Grapes are the center of every preoccupation.  From de-leafing, disbudding, and green harvesting to choosing the harvest dates, selection, and sorting, every process is respectful of the fruit.

Harvest: Harvest time is the culmination of a year’s work, generally beginning in mid-September and ending in mid-October. Each plot is picked by hand at optimal maturity, determined with the help of technical analysis and tasting of the grapes.  The cut grapes are sorted then transferred to the winery.

Vinification: The fruit is separated according to the age of the vines, vineyard location, and grape variety in order to obtain separate batches with complimentary characteristics.  After a month of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in vat, aging takes place in French oak barrels over 12 months.

Blending: Blending demands rigor, concentration, and sensitivity.  The work involves associating, dissociating, and tasting to give life to a new vintage that remains faithful to the spirit of Poujeaux.
The Grand Vin, Château Poujeaux, unites the qualities of elegance, depth and balance.

Annual Production: 250,000 bottles

Overview: Salle de Poujeaux, the second wine of Château Poujeaux is distinguished by an audacious blending process that brings together the delicacy of crisp, fresh fruit with the richness of riper fruit.  Its supple tannins make it seductive from a very young age.  80,000 bottles are produced each year.

Appellation: Moulis-en-Medoc

Soil: Garonnes gravel of Günz

Plantation Density: 10,000 plants/hectare

Average Age of the Vines: 15 years old

Annual Production: 80,000 bottles

Training: Double Guyot

Grape Varieties: 52% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc

Vinification: Fermentation for 20-25 days in concrete tanks and stainless steel with regular pumping

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels