Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Aciditymedium
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2023: best 2026 to 2035.
vintage3 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2024202293/100
Vinous reviewed 2025202393/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninMedium acidityDryMedium finish

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.

How to serve La Gravette de Certan

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Roast chicken with mushroom sauce, Lamb chops with garlic, Boeuf bourguignon. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

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.

  1. 1986: First vintage of La Gravette de Certan produced by Alexandre Thienpont
  2. 2022: 2022 vintage drew strong critic review from Vinous (reviewer-points tuples on scores array)

Facts

Producer
Vieux Chateau Certan · visiting guide
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

Frequently asked about La Gravette de Certan

What does La Gravette de Certan taste like?

On the nose, plum, black cherry, leather, pipe tobacco, iron. On the palate, soft tannins, red berry, espresso, medium weight, Pomerol iron minerality. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. 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.

When should I drink La Gravette de Certan?

Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with La Gravette de Certan?

Roast chicken with mushroom sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb chops with garlic and Boeuf bourguignon. Soft tannins and fruit-forward Merlot complement the mild richness of chicken; mushroom sauce echoes earthy notes.

What grapes are in La Gravette de Certan?

The blend is Merlot (100%). The wine is classified as Pomerol AOC.

Tags

dry medium acid medium body medium tannin medium term merlot mood easygoing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pairs with red meat price premium still red value pick

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