Château Pétrus
History
Pétrus is one of the most notable estates in Bordeaux, France. Its potential started to unfold recently, as the wine quickly won over critics and collectors alike.
The story of Pétrus starts with the Moueix family buying half a share in the property in 1962. Since then, the wine has become part of wine auctions, and its prices have been steadily increasing. Now Pétrus is under the direction of Christian Moueix and oenologist, Jean Claude Berrouet.
The Merlot-based wine comes from an 11.4-hectare vineyard. The vineyard is located on a plateau on the highest part of Pomerol in the far east of the appellation. The topsoil and the subsoil at Pétrus is almost all clay, whereas nearby properties feature gravel or sand mixed through the soil. It has a unique second layer of dense blue clay – which is an exclusive advantage of Right Bank Bordeaux – makes the ground perfect for Merlot.
Technology
A unique feature of Pétrus is the old vines can be replanted after 70 years. Older vines are less productive than young ones, but their grapes are higher quality with more concentrated flavours. This makes the wines richer, with an incredible depth.
The grapes are only ever hand harvested. It is interesting to note the harvest takes place close to noon, when the morning dew has evaporated. Fermentation goes in inert vessels, such as concrete vats. That’s why any extraction of flavour from the vessel can't interfere with the pure fruity character from the grapes. Finally, the wine is aged in 100% new oak barrels for 22-28 months.
Pétrus is complex, powerful and concentrated. It has aromas of blackberry, chocolate, truffles, Asian spices. This wine develops over the years and continues to delight connoisseurs - even decades later.
