CHÂTEAU PENIN, France

Stretching from the high plateau of Entre Deux Mers, to the gravelly terraces near the Dordogne, the vineyard's different “terroirs” are expressed according to the height, slopes and geology of each terrace. Patrick, representing the fifth generation of his family, took over management of the family estate in 1982, after several years of experience as an oenologist and viticulture consultant. Abandoning fruit production, he chose to devote all 15 cultivable hectares to viticulture, with a resolutely quality-focused approach.

Viticulture

Freshened by an oceanic and temperate climate, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream on the one hand, and that of the Landes forest on the other. The large strip of pine trees forms an effective protective screen against the Atlantic winds. Soils are a mixture of gravel and sand to a depth of 6 or 7 metres. Nutritionally poor and porous they force the root systems deep into the soils to a depth of up to 12 metres to find water and nutrients. This restriction weakens the vigour of the plant, naturally keeping yields low and forcing the plant to concentrate on the development of its fruits. The little bit of clay helps warm the soil in spring and bring about an early ripening. During the harvest, the stems and the berries are separated and only the berries are collected. They are transported to the cellar where they are sorted again to keep only the best berries that do not have any defects.

Winemaking

Temperature control in the winery, the wines is pumped over and punched down to manage the extraction with the total maceration for 15 to 25 days. A malolactic fermentation and aging in vats or oak barrels for 12 to 20 months.