JANE ANSON: "There is a brilliant, brilliant estate that I love called Gombaude Guillot. They are a very small producer, organic, biodynamic - great to look out for and very good value."

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True to the foundational spirit of Bordeaux, the estate dating back from 1860 was secured via marriage. The Bélevier family were well established as vignerons in Pomerol and Néac when this property was passed down to Marie Bélevier as a dowry in 1868. Later, in 1922, the actual chateau would be added to the property, retiring itself as the local post-church cafe for a grander life.

 

Fast-forward to 2010, and you’ll find 6th generation Olivier Techer at the helm of this certified organic estate.

 

Perhaps it was this extensive knowledge of healthy soil that also fostered a passion for sustainability that has extended to a pursuit of biodynamic certification Chateau Gombaude-Guillot are recognised as one of the first in area to spearhead an organic approach in the vineyard, with the Château Gombaude-Guillot 2000 vintage the first organic certified Pomerol wine, along with their 1.15 ha Clos Plince. The desire to lessen the environmental impact of the chateau extends beyond the vineyard, sourcing local oak for use in the winery. 

 

Planted across 7 hectares, the vines of Chateau Gombaude-Guillot are located in the unique plateau of Pomerol; with 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% old vine Malbec, which is more than 80 years of age. Surrounded by decent neighbours (Petrus, La Fleur-Petrus, Chateau Lafleur, and Chateau L'Eglise Clinet) the vineyards are comprised of glacial gravel deposits and clay, and vineyard work is focused around soil health, low yields, and maximising ripeness. To encourage microbiological activity between vineyard rows, Olivier has planted a range of cover crops, and avoids using chemical or synthetic herbicides or fungicides. The importance of the vineyard’s ecosystem is the priority here.

 

When the time comes to harvest, grapes are hand-picked, then sorted, de-stemmed and lightly crushed. The wine then undergoes natural fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel tanks for 3-4 weeks, with regular pumpovers occuring at the beginning of fermentation (2-4 times a day). Once ferments are complete, depending on the cuvee the wines are aged in a mix of stainless steel tanks, old oak barrels or amphora before bottling (unfiltered).

 

The resulting wines of Château Gombaude-Guillot are known for their elegance, finesse, and balance. They are recognised as showcasing the unique terroir of Pomerol and we are thrilled to share their legacy in Australia. 

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