Château La Commanderie de Gombeau
Thanks to its unique terroir and rigorous viticultural practices, Château La Commanderie de Gombeau represents the perfect alliance between Bordeaux tradition and modernity. It embodies the family expertise passed down for nearly a century.
History
The history of Commanderie de Gombeau dates back to the 1920s when Pierre Degas set out to transform these Bordeaux lands into an exceptional vineyard. Convinced of the remarkable potential of this terroir, he dedicated his energy and passion to developing the estate while passing down his expertise to future generations.
Now led by his granddaughters, Diane and Eugénie, the estate embodies a balance between heritage and modernity. The duo has brought a contemporary touch to this historic vineyard while preserving the essence of its terroir. Their vision of sustainable viticulture reflects their commitment to quality and the balance of the surrounding ecosystem.
The Vineyard
Located in Saint-Germain-du-Puch, the vineyard of Château La Commanderie de Gombeau spans 40 hectares of clay-limestone terroir, which imparts roundness and finesse to its wines. The parcels are planted at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare, encouraging deep rooting and optimal berry concentration. The grape varieties consist primarily of Merlot (90%), which brings fruitiness and suppleness, and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), adding a balanced tannic structure.
With an average age of 40 years, the vines are cultivated using sustainable viticulture practices. Special attention is given to grape maturity, with regular sensory and analytical checks, as well as meticulous vineyard work such as leaf thinning and double Guyot pruning to ensure high-quality harvests.
Winemaking & Aging
The harvest, carried out mechanically, ensures a swift collection while preserving the integrity of the grapes. Once picked, the winemaking process begins with gentle crushing to maintain the purity of the aromas. The must then undergoes cold settling, ensuring a clean and well-balanced fermentation.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, maintained between 26 and 28°C. Regular pump-overs, up to three times a day, allow for optimal extraction of tannins and aromas, while an extended maceration of 20 to 30 days enhances the wine’s depth and complexity.
Aging takes place in underground tanks, a traditional method that preserves the freshness and typicity of the grape varieties. This stage highlights the wine’s natural characteristics, ensuring a harmonious maturation and seamless tannin integration.
Wine Character
Château La Commanderie de Gombeau opens with a rich and expressive nose, dominated by notes of cherry and blackberry, harmoniously complemented by subtle spicy and floral hints. On the palate, the wine reveals a round and silky structure, supported by a pleasant freshness that adds vibrancy and balance. The long, lingering finish is highlighted by fruity nuances and a delicate toasted character, enhancing the elegance of the tasting experience.
