Pomerol estate with one block of vines, deep clay and gravel, and a Merlot led red.
The producer
Château Certan de May is a Pomerol estate directed by Jean Luc Barreau. Its vines form one single block, an unusual arrangement in Pomerol, and the ground is approximately 70% deep clay and 30% gravel. The wine is made from 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes ferment in temperature regulated stainless steel vats, with malolactic fermentation in barrels. The Barreau Badard family acquired the estate from the de May family in 1925.
Known for
Single block Pomerol Merlot
Notable facts
The Barreau Badard family acquired the estate from the de May family in 1925.
Jean Luc Barreau is the current director.
The vineyard is one single block of vines, unusual for Pomerol.
Grapes ferment in temperature regulated stainless steel vats, with malolactic fermentation in barrels.
The story
A Royal Grant In Pomerol
In the 16th century, the de May family received the estate by royal decree. The family was of Scottish origin and settled in Pomerol at the end of that century. The French Revolution divided the domain, leaving the de May family with a small parcel. In 1925, the Barreau Badard family acquired the estate from the de May family. The sequence moves from a royal grant, through revolutionary division, to a twentieth century sale within the history of Château Certan de May.
From the atlas
Château Certan de May
Pomerol estate with one block of vines, deep clay and gravel, and a Merlot led red made with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
At A Glance
Appellation
Pomerol
Main grapes
Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
Signature wine
Château Certan de May
Average annual production
approximately 2,000 cases
The Producer
A single block of vines makes up Château Certan de May, an unusual arrangement in Pomerol. Jean Luc Barreau is the current director. The Barreau Badard family acquired the estate from the de May family in 1925. Michel Rolland worked with the estate until 2012, and Jean Claude Berrouet assumed the consulting role from the 2013 vintage.
The de May family received the estate by royal decree in the 16th century. Of Scottish origin, the family settled in Pomerol at the end of that century. The French Revolution divided the domain, leaving the de May family with a small parcel.
Place
Pomerol's ground here is approximately 70% deep clay and 30% gravel. Clay can retain water around the roots, while gravel lets excess water pass. The two materials combine moisture supply with drainage in the vineyard.
Wines
Château Certan de May 2010 is a red Pomerol. Its grape composition is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot supplies the largest share, while the two Cabernet varieties complete the wine.
The estate's wine is vinified in temperature regulated stainless steel vats, with malolactic fermentation in barrels. This cellar sequence separates the primary fermentation vessel from the vessel used for the secondary conversion, a process that softens malic acidity and changes the wine's texture.
Final Word
At Château Certan de May, fermentation takes place in temperature regulated stainless steel vats and malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels.