Château Camensac

History of Château Camensac

The history of Château Camensac dates back to the 18th century, a time when the chartreuse that today houses the estate was probably built by the Popp family. These merchants of Hanseatic origin, established in Bordeaux since the early 18th century, played a key role in the development of the property. In 1799, Joseph Popp purchased the estate, which had been fragmented following the French Revolution. Under the stewardship of the Popp family, Château Camensac acquired a solid reputation, crowned in 1855 by its inclusion in the prestigious classification of the Médoc grands crus.

The year 1855 marks a crucial milestone for Château Camensac, when Napoleon III decided to have the finest Bordeaux crus recognised on the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition. Classified as a fifth grand cru, Camensac thus gained international renown thanks to its wines, appreciated for their finesse and their capacity to age with elegance.

The following centuries saw the estate pass through various hands, including the Cuvelier family at the beginning of the 20th century, then the Forner family in 1964. The latter breathed new life into this then-struggling vineyard, modernising the facilities and replanting the vines to revive production. In 2005, Jean Merlaut and Céline Villars-Foubet took the reins of the estate with the ambition of restoring its standing on international markets. Under their stewardship, Château Camensac has established itself as an essential name in the Haut-Médoc, thanks to meticulous work and a forward-looking vision.

Terroir and Vines of Château Camensac

The vineyard of Château Camensac extends over 75 hectares of land located in the commune of Saint-Laurent-du-Médoc, close to Saint-Julien. The estate benefits from an exceptional terroir on the left bank, composed of deep gravels, known as "Villafranchian gravels" and "Günzian gravels", which offer ideal conditions for cultivating Bordeaux's noble grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). These gravelly soils are naturally well-drained, encouraging deep root growth 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, lending the wines of Château Camensac a unique balance between freshness and complexity.

The estate is composed of 123 distinct plots, each cultivated with precision to adapt to the characteristics of the soil. The high planting density, with 10,000 vines per hectare, and a yield limited to 40–45 hectolitres per hectare, guarantee a quality production in which every bunch is carefully selected.

Since 2021, Château Camensac has embarked on an agroecological approach, obtaining the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification at level 3. This label rewards responsible farming that respects the environment, with meticulous manual and mechanical work on each vine.

Winemaking at Château Camensac

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

The winemaking process begins with careful destemming and crushing of the grapes. Alcoholic fermentation, carried out at 28°C for approximately six days, is followed by a long maceration of three weeks. During this period, daily pump-overs and punch-downs are performed to extract the full richness of aromas and tannins from the grapes.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is run off and pressed before being transferred into French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation. Barrel ageing lasts between 14 and 18 months, with a percentage of new wood of 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, a fining with egg whites is carried out, guaranteeing 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 a fifth grand cru in 1855, is produced from a blend predominantly composed of 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 intertwine 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 as a benchmark among the great wines of Bordeaux.

Second de Camensac

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

Le Bailly de Camensac

The Bailly de Camensac is another cuvée from the estate, distinguished 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 the expertise of Camensac, offering a tasting experience rich in ripe fruit aromas and a beautiful roundness on the palate.

The Haut-Médoc, one of the prestigious appellations of the Bordeaux vineyard, is renowned for producing remarkable wines, particularly in its finest vintages. Among the most notable, one finds iconic 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 benchmark for fine wines.

The Fifth Grands Crus Classés offer a fine diversity of estates in the Médoc, bearing witness 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 for their distinctive 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 one another at its helm, this estate has been able to preserve and elevate its wines over the centuries. Today, under the stewardship of the Merlaut family, Château Camensac continues to delight lovers of great wines with elegant, refined cuvées full of character. Whether it is 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 reference for lovers of Médoc wines.