Croizet Bages

History of Château Croizet-Bages

The history of Château Croizet-Bages dates back to the end of the 17th century, when brothers Bertrand and Pierre Croizet, a notary and clerk from Bordeaux, began acquiring plots in the Pauillac region. Their ambition: to create a renowned wine estate. In homage to their lineage, the estate was named "Croizet-Bages", merging their family name with that of the hamlet of Bages, located in the heart of Pauillac.

The estate experienced a rapid ascension thanks to the quality of its wines and quickly became a reference in the region. In 1853, the Calvé family, wine merchants in Bordeaux, took possession of the château and continued to make its star shine. In 1855, during the prestigious imperial classification ordered by Napoleon III, Château Croizet-Bages was elevated to the rank of Fifth Grand Cru Classé.

Despite its renown, the estate was hit by the viticultural crises of the early 20th century. It was not until 1942 that the destiny of the Château changed radically with its acquisition by Paul Quié, a passionate merchant. Under his leadership and that of his descendants, the vineyard experienced a true renaissance. Paul Quié and his son Jean-Michel set about modernising the facilities and completely replanted the vines after the 1969 harvest.

Today, Jean-Michel's children, Anne-Françoise and Jean-Philippe Quié, continue the work of their ancestors. Under their direction, Château Croizet-Bages is entering a new era of modernisation with renovations planned until 2026, while respecting the traditions and exceptional terroir of the estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Croizet-Bages

Located in the heart of the Médoc Regional Natural Park, the Château Croizet-Bages vineyard spans 30 hectares in a single block, on the famous gravelly ridges around the hamlet of Bages. This left bank terroir is unique, composed of deep gravels and gravelly sands, promoting optimal natural drainage, essential for the concentration of the grapes.

The gravelly soils typical of the region allow the vines to absorb the heat stored during the day, thus creating ideal conditions for the maturation of noble grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Each plot of the vineyard is worked independently, according to its age, grape variety and the profile sought for the final blend.

The main grape varieties of the estate are:

Cabernet Sauvignon (58%): The backbone of Pauillac wines, it brings structure, power and ageing capacity.

Merlot (39%): Harvested relatively early, it brings roundness and fruity charm to the wines.

Petit Verdot (3%): It brings an intense colour and spicy notes, reinforcing the character of the wine.

Château Croizet-Bages also distinguishes itself by its commitment to the environment. The estate is certified High Environmental Value (HEV), which testifies to its sustainable approach. Virtuous cultivation practices, such as soil cultivation, grass cover, manual leaf removal and Poussard pruning, promote the vitality of the vines and the sustainability of the terroir.

Vinification at Château Croizet-Bages

Vinification at Château Croizet-Bages reflects a quest for excellence at every stage of the process. The harvest, carried out manually, allows for a meticulous selection of the grapes to ensure optimal quality. Each lot is vinified separately to respect the identity of each plot.

Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats of different sizes (from 12 to 150 hl), allowing for optimal plot selection. Fermentations take place at controlled temperatures between 26 and 28°C, with regular pumping over to extract the desired tannins and aromas. Malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity of the wines, takes place in vats and barrels.

The ageing process takes place over 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels. This process gives the estate's wines their velvety texture and aromatic depth. The marriage of wood and wine allows for the enhancement of aromas and brings subtle notes of cocoa, spices and cedar.

The Cuvées of Château Croizet-Bages

Château Croizet-Bages - Grand Vin

The Grand Vin of Château Croizet-Bages is the noblest expression of the estate. Solar and generous, it embodies all the richness of the great Pauillac wines. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and power, while Merlot adds roundness and aromas of candied cherry. Petit Verdot, for its part, reinforces the colour and offers spicy touches.

After a few years of ageing, this wine reveals a striking aromatic complexity, blending notes of black fruits, cedar, leather and plum. Its well-present tannic structure gives it great longevity, and its ageing in French oak barrels brings finesse and elegance.

Grape varieties: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Average yield: 45 hectolitres per hectare

Annual production: Approximately 70,000 bottles

Ageing: 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels

Alias Croizet-Bages - Second Wine

Alias Croizet-Bages is the estate's second wine, produced from young vines. This wine, vinified with as much care as the Grand Vin, seduces with its bright fruit and freshness. Notes of cherry and cedar bring a gourmet and precise touch, while its tannic structure is more measured, making it an accessible wine from its early years.

Alias Croizet-Bages reflects all the charm of Pauillac, with a supple tannic structure and a beautiful length on the palate. Its ageing in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months gives it subtle aromas and a beautiful complexity.

Grape varieties: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Annual production: Approximately 36,000 bottles

Ageing: 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels

Pauillac, one of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, ranks among the great Bordeaux wines, with remarkable vintages that have made history. Among the finest vintages are those from 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990, renowned for their complexity and longevity. The years 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2005 also stand out for their richness and power. More recently, the vintages 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have confirmed Pauillac's exceptional potential, offering wines that are both elegant and powerful, perfect for long-term cellaring.

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 Croizet-Bages is a symbol of the viticultural greatness of Pauillac, with a rich history, an exceptional terroir and wines that embody elegance and generosity. Thanks to the constant efforts of the Quié family to preserve and magnify this heritage, Château Croizet-Bages continues to produce wines of great finesse, capable of traversing decades while adapting to contemporary challenges.