Camensac

History of Château Camensac

The history of Château Camensac dates back to the 18th century, when the Carthusian monastery that now houses the estate was probably built by the Popp family. These merchants of Hanseatic origin, settled in Bordeaux since the early 18th century, played a key role in the development of the property. In 1799, Joseph Popp bought the estate, which had been parcelled out following the French Revolution. Under the direction of the Popp family, Château Camensac acquired a solid reputation, crowned in 1855 by its inclusion in the prestigious classification of Médoc grand crus.

The year 1855 marks a crucial step for Château Camensac, when Napoleon III decided to recognise the best Bordeaux wines on the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition. Classified as a fifth grand cru, Camensac then gained international fame for its wines, appreciated for their finesse and ability to age with elegance.

The following centuries saw the estate pass through different hands, including the Cuvelier family at the beginning of the 20th century, then the Forner family in 1964. The latter revived this then-struggling vineyard, modernising the facilities and replanting the vines to relaunch production. In 2005, Jean Merlaut and Céline Villars-Foubet took the reins of the estate with the ambition of restoring its lustre on international markets. Under their direction, Château Camensac has established itself as a must-have of the Haut-Médoc, thanks to meticulous work and a vision turned towards the future.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Camensac

The vineyard of Château Camensac spans 75 hectares of land located in the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Médoc, near Saint-Julien. The estate benefits from an exceptional terroir of the left bank, composed of deep gravels, called "Villafranchian gravels" and "Gunzian gravels", which offer ideal conditions for growing the noble grape varieties of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). These gravelly soils are naturally well-drained, promoting deep rooting and allowing the vines to fully express their potential.

The oceanic climate of the region, with its mild winters and warm summers, creates a perfect environment for the slow and regular ripening of the grapes. This microclimate also allows for excellent concentration of aromas, giving Château Camensac wines a unique balance between freshness and complexity.

The estate is composed of 123 distinct plots, each worked precisely to adapt to the characteristics of the soil. The high planting density, with 10,000 vines per hectare, and a limited yield of 40-45 hectolitres per hectare, guarantee quality production where each bunch is carefully selected.

Since 2021, Château Camensac has committed to an agroecological approach, obtaining the High Environmental Value (HVE) certification level 3. This label rewards sustainable agriculture that respects the environment, with meticulous manual and mechanical work on each vine.

Vinification at Château Camensac

Vinification at Château Camensac is based on traditional methods, modernised by state-of-the-art facilities. After selective manual harvesting, depending on the grape varieties and age of the vines, the grapes are rigorously sorted, first in the plot, then on arrival at the winery. This meticulous process ensures the optimal quality of the bunches destined for vinification.

The vinification process begins with careful destemming and crushing of the grapes. Alcoholic fermentation, carried out at 28°C for about six days, is followed by a long maceration of three weeks. During this period, daily pumping over and punching down are carried out to extract all the richness of the grape's aromas and tannins.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is run off and pressed before being transferred to French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. Barrel ageing lasts between 14 and 18 months, with a percentage of new wood up to 60%, depending on the vintage. During this period, the wines are topped up and regularly racked to ensure optimal maturation. Finally, before bottling, fining with egg whites is carried out, ensuring the clarity and purity of the wine.

The Cuvées of Château Camensac

Château Camensac produces several cuvées, each representing a different facet of its unique terroir:

Château Camensac - Grand Cru Classé

The flagship wine of the estate, classified as fifth grand cru in 1855, is made from a blend primarily dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Each vintage reflects the identity of the Camensac terroir, with elegant, refined wines of great complexity. Notes of black fruits, blackcurrant and cherry mingle with subtle aromas of black pepper and spices, with a beautiful tannic structure and a long finish on the palate. This wine, capable of ageing for decades, stands out as a sure value among the great wines of Bordeaux.

Second de Camensac

Formerly known as "La Closerie de Camensac", the Second de Camensac is made from lots rigorously selected for their freshness and suppleness. With lighter tannins and a more immediate fruity expression, this cuvée is perfect for drinking younger. Composed of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, its blend varies according to the vintage, but it always retains the typical elegance of Médoc wines.

Le Bailly de Camensac

Le Bailly de Camensac is another cuvée of the estate, which distinguishes itself by its accessible approach and convivial style. Benefiting from the same care as the other wines of the estate, this cuvée is a true introduction to Camensac's know-how, offering a tasting rich in ripe fruit aromas and a beautiful roundness on the palate.

Haut-Médoc, one of the prestigious appellations of the Bordeaux vineyard, is renowned for producing remarkable wines, particularly during its finest vintages. Among the most notable are emblematic years such as 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990, which have left their mark on fine wine enthusiasts. Other exceptional vintages include 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, each recognised for its balance and depth. More recently, the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 continue this tradition, with particularly elegant and promising wines. These vintages offer an exceptional range of flavours and longevity, reinforcing Bordeaux's reputation as a global reference in wine-making.

The Fifth Classified Growths offer a beautiful diversity of properties in the Médoc, testifying to Bordeaux's winemaking expertise. In Pauillac, one finds renowned estates such as Château d'Armailhac, Château Batailley, Château Clerc Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Château Haut-Batailley, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Lynch-Moussas, Château Pedesclaux, and Château Pontet-Canet. In the Haut-Médoc, Château Camensac and Château Cantemerle stand out with their own characteristics. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre bring a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory from Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of the Bordeaux terroir.

Château Camensac, with its exceptional terroir and rich history, ranks among the great names of the Médoc. Thanks to the expertise and passion of the families who have succeeded at its helm, this estate has managed to preserve and sublimate its wines over the centuries. Today, under the direction of the Merlaut family, Château Camensac continues to dazzle wine lovers with elegant, refined cuvées full of character. Whether it's the grand cru classé, the Second de Camensac or the Bailly de Camensac, each bottle reflects the harmony between tradition and modernity, making Château Camensac an essential value for lovers of Médoc wines.