In the glass
Aroma: plum, black cherry, leather, pipe tobacco, iron, flowers
Palate: soft tannins, red berry, espresso, medium weight, Pomerol iron minerality
The accessible, Merlot-dominant second selection from Vieux Chateau Certan, made from younger vines and less-selected barrels. Forward, fruit-driven, and approachable early but retaining the estate's hallmark iron-mineral signature.
What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken with mushroom sauce
Soft tannins and fruit-forward Merlot complement the mild richness of chicken; mushroom sauce echoes earthy notes. -
Lamb chops with garlic
Medium body and soft tannins work with young lamb; leather and tobacco add complexity. -
Boeuf bourguignon
The wine's plummy character and acidity cut through the slow-braised richness of the dish.
History
La Gravette de Certan was created in 1986 by Alexandre Thienpont as the second wine of Vieux Chateau Certan, drawing its name from a parcel of vines purchased by the family in 1946. In recent vintages it has been produced entirely from 100% Merlot from younger vines, offering an accessible entry to the VCC terroir.
- 1986 — First vintage of La Gravette de Certan produced by Alexandre Thienpont
- 2022 — Vintage scored 93 points from Vinous
Facts
- Producer
- Vieux Chateau Certan
- Grapes
- Merlot (100%)
- Classification
- Pomerol AOC
- Oak
- 15-18 months in French oak, lower proportion new oak than grand vin
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- €65-90 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1986
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)
- Vinous 93 (2023 vintage, reviewed 2025)