In the vineyard
Merlot may dominate proceedings at neighbouring Château Pétrus but at VCC, it accounts for just 60% of plantings with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the more gravelly plots of the property. Viticulture is meticulous.
When Alexandre arrived, green harvesting was adopted, chaptalisation was forbidden and a second wine was introduced to raise the quality of the Grand Vin. Herbicides have since been abandoned while yields are kept to a low one kilogram per vine, with careful fruit selection before the crop is picked rather than at a sorting table.
In the winery
Don't expect fancy technology or gizmos at Vieux Château Certan. Winemaking is thoughtful and traditional here with fermentation in wooden vats before ageing in barrel for 18 months or more. It works perfectly.