Who makes it
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.
Where it grows
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.
What they make
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.