Château Petit-Village, `Le Petit de Petit-Village` Pomerol
Vintage: 2021
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | PV101B21 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Château Petit-Village is situated in the heart of Pomerol, next door to Vieux Château Certain and Château Le Pin. Their 10.5 hectares of vines are planted at the highest point of the famous Pomerol plateau with 75% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Here, the deep gravel soils are made up of quartz and flint, layered over an iron-rich clay subsoil known as ‘crasse de fer’. These typically have better drainage than clay-based soils, making them warmer than other Pomerol sites and helping the vines achieve balance even in wet, cool years.
The vineyards are farmed sustainably, with the highest level of ‘Haute Valeur Environnementale’ certification, and are currently in the process of organic conversion. Cover crops are planted between vine rows to improve soil structure and boost biodiversity. A dedicated team works to encourage lower yields and greater concentration in the grapes through careful pruning, leaf stripping and green harvesting.
The estate has benefitted from significant investment in both the vineyards and the winery, particularly since being acquired by the Moulin family in 2020. Technical director Guillaume Frédoux heads up the winemaking team, working closely with famed consultants Stéphane Derenoncourt and Marielle Cazeaux. The recent construction of a new barrel cellar and introduction of amphorae echoes the château’s commitment in the vineyards to produce wines that reflect a sense of place.
Château Petit-Village is made from a blend of 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc aged in oak barrels, of which 50% are new, for 15 months. From the 2020 vintage, the estate has added a new wine to their range, replacing ‘Le Jardin de Petit-Village’ with ‘Le Petit de Petit-Village’ as their second wine. ‘Le Petit de Petit-Village’ is more immediately approachable than the Grand Vin and intended for earlier drinking. Sourced from 35-year-old vines, this 100% Merlot is aged for 16 months in a combination of new French oak barrels and amphorae. The result is a classic, fruit-forward expression brimming with plum and black cherry aromas on the nose, complemented by quintessentially plush Pomerol tannins.
Vineyards
Fruit for the Le Petit de Petit-Village comes from a 10.5-hectare plot of 36-year-old Merlot vines in Pomerol. The vines are double guyot trained and planted on deep clay gravel soils on the Plateau de Catusseau. These typically have better drainage than clay soils, making them warmer than other Pomerol sites and helping the vines achieve balance even in wet, cool years. The vineyard is farmed organically is midway through the process of becoming officially certified organic.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage in Pomerol was shaped by an early spring thaw followed by a harsh frost in early April that threatened bud development. Flowering occurred in late May, but the summer months were cool, rainy, and overcast—raising doubts about the vintage’s potential. Fortunately, the arrival of Indian Summer conditions in late August brought warm, sunny, and breezy weather, giving the grapes precious ripening time. Harvest began in late September and continued into early to mid-October. Under these favourable conditions, growers were able to achieve better maturities than expected, resulting in a vintage marked by freshness and elegance.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the hand-harvested Merlot grapes were destemmed and underwent a rigorous sorting by individual berry. The berries were crushed and underwent a cool pre-fermentation maceration to extract smooth tannins before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 16 months, 50% in new French oak barrels from six different cooperages, the remaining 50% in clay amphorae.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Deep ruby in colour. The Petit de Petit-Village is brimming with ripe plum and black cherry aromas on the nose with subtle notes of spice. On the palate it has quintessentially plush Pomerol tannins and a bright acidity which carries the flavours onto the juicy finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%