Château Petit-Village, Pomerol
Vintage: 2017
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | PV102A17 | 12 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
| 2017 | PV102B17 | 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
The vineyard sits at the highest point of Pomerol, where soils are the mostly gravel and free-draining, an advantage in the maritime climate. The subsoil is known as 'crasse de fer', an iron-rich clay that is said to confer complexity to the greatest wines of Pomerol. Vines are between 35 and 45 years of age and are work in the vineyard is done by hand.
Vintage
The 2017 vintage was marked by climatic contrasts, beginning with one of the mildest and driest winters in recent years, followed by a wet and warm March. Thankfully, Château Petit-Village was spared the late-April frost. Flowering proceeded under very favourable conditions in May, while June brought heavy rainfall and elevated temperatures, replenishing water reserves ahead of a notably dry summer. Vineyard health remained excellent through the season. Rainfall in mid-September hastened the onset of harvest, with Merlot picked between 18 and 20 September under sunny skies and cool temperatures, followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon harvested at optimal maturity on 27 and 28 September.
Vinification
A precise selection in the vineyard ensured only the best and most perfectly ripe fruit was selected for this wine. Each plot was vinified separately with much care taken to ensure the grapes were not over-extracted and maintain the fresh fruit flavours in the final wine. Fermentation lasted 10 days with punch downs completed in the early stages to enhance extraction. Each batch was aged in oak barrels (60% new and 40% one year old) for 15 months.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine is deep ruby red in colour with an expressive, complex nose with notes of blackcurrant, liquorice and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is extremely precise with elegant, velvety tannins melting into a long and savoury finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.27 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.5 g/l
pH
3.64
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Château Petit-Village | `Le Petit de Petit-Village` Pomerol | PV101 | R |