This grand building was constructed in the 18th century and owned by Jean François de Pontet, a royal governor of the Médoc region. Guy Tesseron took control of the estate in 1975 and today, with his son Alfred and nieces Mélanie and Philippine, the passionate family tends to the 81 hectares plot. The vineyard is made up of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot varietals.
Today more than 40% of the land is worked exclusively with horses, and 100% of the land is cultivated using biodynamic practices as the estate has dual certifications in both the Biodyvin and Ecocert methods.
Jean-Michel Comme, régisseur of the domaine, likens the estate’s viticulture practice an a human adventure and intellectual practice in where they monitor the growth of the vines as they would raising a child, with much attention and care.
Two vintages, the Château Pontet Canet (a fifth Grand Cru Classé) and a second wine, Hauts de Pontet-Canet, are available to purchase upon a visit to the estate. Guests can tour the estate’s historic cellar, modern facilities or explore the vineyards in electric cars. The land is often recognizable as the vineyard was featured in the wine-picking scenes from Robin Davis’ 1983 film “J’ai épousé une ombre,” starring Nathalie Baye and Francis Huster. 33 250 Pauillac, France. www.pontet-canet.com
