Vieux Château Certan — An Icon of Pomerol: finesse, controlled power & aromatic depth

Vieux Château Certan is one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in Pomerol. Its history dates back to the 17^th century. Located on the legendary gravel plateau, the estate produces a refined and long-lived grand vin of exceptional elegance, consistently ranked among the greatest wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Key People

• Alexandre Thienpont — Owner and director, guardian of the estate’s classical and elegant style.
• Guillaume Thienpont — Son of Alexandre, involved in winemaking since 2011 and now technical director.
• The Thienpont Family — A major winemaking family also owning Le Pin.

Philosophy

Respect for terroir, meticulous viticulture, and careful observation of each plot lie at the heart of the estate’s philosophy. Vinification is traditional, with long and precise aging in French oak barrels (about 70% new), resulting in wines of great depth, nuance and natural elegance.

History & Milestones

• 17th century: The de Certan family establishes the estate, one of the first in Pomerol.
• 1924: Acquired by Georges Thienpont, a Belgian wine merchant.
• 1985: Alexandre Thienpont takes over, refining the style.
• 1990–2020: Growing international recognition for the estate’s elegance and consistency.
• Today: Guillaume Thienpont continues the family’s artisanal approach.

Terroir & Viticulture

Terroir

• Surface area: ~14 hectares.
• Soils: deep gravel and blue clay over a gravel-clay subsoil.
• Location: heart of the Pomerol plateau, adjacent to Château Pétrus and Château L’Évangile.
• Grape varieties: Merlot (~70%), Cabernet Franc (~25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (~5%).

Viticulture

• Sustainable and precise vineyard practices.
• High planting density.
• Manual harvest with detailed parcel selection.
• Parcel vinification in wooden or stainless steel vats.
• Aging: 16–20 months in French oak barrels (about 70% new).

Style & Tasting

Aromatics: black fruits (blackberry, cassis, plum), violet, graphite, truffle, balsamic and mineral notes.
Palate: velvety texture, silky yet structured tannins, remarkable balance between richness and freshness.
Cellaring potential: 20 to 40 years for the great vintages.
Service: decant 2–3 hours in youth; serve at 16–18 °C.

Signature Wine

Vieux Château Certan

• Single grand vin of the estate.
• Merlot dominant, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Aged in French oak barrels, 70% new.
• Average production: around 40,000 bottles per vintage.
• No second wine under a different label.