Under the iconic owner Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet began practising biodynamic viticulture in 2004 on a 15-hectare plot of Merlot. In 2005, the entire château, covering no less than 81 hectares, made the transition under the watchful eye of technical director Jean-Michel Comme. The Château has been certified since 2010. It is the first Cru Classé in the Médoc to be certified as both organic and biodynamic.
Alfred’s children, Justine and Noé, are gradually taking over the château from their father. Jean Michel Comme left in 2020 and was succeeded by Mathieu Bessonnet, who previously worked at M. Chapoutier. Among other things, he introduced a hundred 9-hectolitre cement dolia (egg-shaped amphorae), designed on the estate itself and crafted by local artisans using limestone and gravel sourced from the estate.
They have now found the right balance for ageing: 50% new barriques, 15% used barriques and 35% in these amphorae, making the influence of oak ageing less noticeable. As a result, and partly thanks to biodynamic practices, the wines clearly reflect their vintage. Since 1999, family friend and oenologist Michel Rolland has also overseen the blends.
Alfred’s children, Justine and Noé, are gradually taking over the château from their father. Jean Michel Comme left in 2020 and was succeeded by Mathieu Bessonnet, who previously worked at M. Chapoutier. Among other things, he introduced a hundred 9-hectolitre cement dolia (egg-shaped amphorae), designed on the estate itself and crafted by local artisans using limestone and gravel sourced from the estate.
They have now found the right balance for ageing: 50% new barriques, 15% used barriques and 35% in these amphorae, making the influence of oak ageing less noticeable. As a result, and partly thanks to biodynamic practices, the wines clearly reflect their vintage. Since 1999, family friend and oenologist Michel Rolland has also overseen the blends.