OUR VINEYARDS IN THE MÉDOC

You appreciate Château Paloumey and its different cuvées (Ailes de Paloumey, Plume de Paloumey, or even Belle Amie de Paloumey),
but did you know that we extend beyond the borders of the Haut-Médoc appellation?
Since 1993, our estate also owns two other vineyards in Médoc, from which Château La Bessane in the Margaux appellation and Château La Garricq in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation are born. The Paloumey team oversees nearly 42 hectares and works every day to express the unique and authentic personality of each of our terroirs.

Haut-Médoc

Located in Ludon-Médoc, Château Paloumey benefits from a privileged location in the south of the Haut-Médoc appellation, close to Châteaux La Lagune and Cantermerle, Grands Crus Classés in 1855. Our vineyard, covering an area of 37 hectares, presents a great diversity of soils whose famous blend sublimates our wines.

The Terroirs of Château Paloumey

Two major types of distinct soils characterize the terroirs of Château Paloumey. A first entity of 27 hectares, located in Ludon-Médoc, is composed of mounds of Garonne gravels from the Quaternary era. This sandy and gravelly matrix, without clay, consists of small gravels favoring natural drainage of rainwater and is particularly suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, which matures later than Merlot. This terroir offers wines imbued with indulgence and delicacy!

The second entity is located in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, still in the Haut-Médoc appellation, where 10 hectares are planted on ancient Garonne gravels, slightly larger and with some clay. The richness of this terroir brings structure and complexity to the blending of our wines.

Our Grape Varieties

When the Cazeneuve family arrives at Château Paloumey in 1989, there is not a single vine left. Starting from a blank sheet to revive this great Médoc vineyard was an extraordinary opportunity! Rigorous soil analyses have made it possible to determine the best grape variety for the plantings that began in 1990. The choice of grape varieties and the orientation of the rows of vines are the result of strategic reflections aimed at the most accurate expression of the potential of each plot.

Château Paloumey’s grape varieties are now composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon – the king grape variety of Médoc -, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Paloumey Gives Wings to its Future

The effects of climate change require Pierre Cazeneuve and the Paloumey team to rethink the future of the plant material to adapt our vineyard to these new water constraints.
We are conducting experiments on some plots in Ludon-Médoc where new rootstocks – better adapted to drought – have been planted, promoting the implementation of innovative agronomic strategies at the heart of our vineyard (grassing, etc.).

Simultaneously, we are reflecting on the evolution of our grape varieties. It seems that in the next twenty years the proportion of Merlot, the majority grape variety of the Bordeaux vineyard, will decrease in favor of Cabernet Sauvignon or even Petit Verdot.

Margaux

In 1993, the Cazeneuve family took over a small 2-hectare jewel in one of the most mythical appellations of the Médoc: Margaux. Nestled in Cantenac, this vineyard is the birthplace of Château La Bessane, an exceptional wine whose confidential and exclusive production delights the most demanding connoisseurs.

Château La Bessane

The Margaux appellation stands out for its unique terroir: a mix of deep gravels, sand, and pebbles. This soil, poor and filtering, pushes the vines to seek depth, thus promoting intense rooting.

Château La Bessane reveals its uniqueness through the significant presence of Petit Verdot (22%) alongside Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Merlot (55%). This rare grape combination requires constant attention from our team.

An exceptional Margaux, Château La Bessane is a refined expression of balance between opulence, finesse, and power. Its tasting reveals seductive notes of black fruits, while its generous and juicy structure caresses the palate with tannins as soft as velvet. Encouraged by the presence of Petit Verdot, Château La Bessane also stands out for its tremendous aging potential.

Moulis

Did you know that Moulis-en-Médoc is one of the smallest appellations in the Médoc?
It owes its name to the many mills that existed in the commune. Although it does not host any Cru Classé from 1855, many properties such as Chasse-Spleen (and our Château La Garricq!) make the appellation shine. Acquired in 1993 by the Cazeneuve family, this 3-hectare gem located in the heart of the Moulis vineyard never ceases to charm us.

Château La Garricq

Formerly known as “Château de Graves de Guitignan-Brillette”, Château La Garricq thrives on a terroir typical of the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation. Composed of ancient gravels and clay-limestone soils, this terroir promotes the optimal maturity of Petit Verdot (13% of the grape variety), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), and Merlot (58%).

Château La Garricq is a true illustration of the unique character of the Moulis appellation: a captivating blend of complexity, elegance, and robustness. Over the vintages, it offers a deep color and aromas merging black fruits, licorice, floral and woody notes. It asserts its personality with a powerful structure, an impressive length in the mouth, and a great aging potential.