Introducing Château Penin

Etienne and Antoine, sixth-generation winemakers, are deeply committed to passing on living soils, old vines, and preserved landscapes to the next generation.

This family business was founded in 1855 by Louis Carteyron and his son Jacques. In 2022, Antoine and his brother Etienne became the sixth generation to run the estate, which has grown to 50 ha. The winery is based in Entre-deux-Mers, a region whose name is derived from its location between the two tidal rivers, the Dordogne and Garonne. The production and management of the estate is carried out within the framework of a reasoned and multi-performance agroecology recognized by the HVE (High Environmental Value) quality criterion, where biodiversity in the vineyards and on the estate are of the utmost importance.

"We believe in a kind of winemaking that is rooted in authenticity, not prestige. A craft driven by committed winegrowers who are not bound by dogma, but guided by intuition and respect for their land. Vignerons who seek to express their terroir, their convictions—without ever forgetting that wine is, above all, about sharing. We take our craft seriously, without taking ourselves too seriously. That’s the spirit of winemaking we proudly stand for. Our goal is to craft characterful wines that embody our values of conviviality and immediate pleasure—wines that reflect both balance and the unique identity of our clay-limestone and gravel soils.

We are pleased to introduce these fresh, authentic Bordeaux wines to Ontario. Read more about Château Penin here, and view the current offerings below, along with links to purchase.


 

Cabanes Blanc 2024

This blend of 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, 30% Sémillon was grown on a clay hillside over limestone. Part of the Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris were co-planted, and thus co-fermented. All was gently pressed and cold settled with minimal racking, native fermented over 20 days in a mix of concrete eggs, diamond shaped concrete tank, stainless, and oak barrels (228L & 400L). It was then matured for 7 months on fine lees with regular bâtonnage.

Pouring a deeper yellow hue, this is based on sém's waxiness, with lemon verbena, stony spice, white honey, and acacia kisses. The limestone gives a buzzy salinity to the whole, which lingers on the finish. Lovely, modern, fresh Bx Blanc.

Appellation : AOC Bordeaux Blanc
Region : Bordeaux
Country : France
Grape(s) : Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon
Price : $28
Case : 12 / case

 

 

Clairet 2024

This blend of 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc is grown on a limestone plateau at the top of the village. After a short maceration over 24-48 hours, this was lightly pressed and slowly fermented at low temperature over 20 days. MLF is done on roughly 50% of the vats, aiming to find the right balance between roundness and freshness. It was matured 4 months on fine lees before bottling. This used to be the wine for the family and was not commercialized until Jacques started to sell it in the 80s.

Very pretty, with crushed wildflowers, raspberry blossoms, and finely lifted, barely there tannins. Very delicate and refined, with slight tannins coming from skin maceration. Charming.

Appellation : AOC Bordeaux Clairet
Region : Bordeaux
Country : France
Grape(s) : Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Price : $23
Case : 12 / case

 

 

Cabernet Franc Massale Selection 2019

From two parcels on deep gravels and clay limestone soils. Vines comes from a massale selection collected from a century-old vineyard in Pomerol. These old vines carry the authentic genetics and perfumed aromas of Cabernet Franc that clones cannot. The wine was fermented at low temperature in stainless tanks over 15 days, and aged in concrete with limited racking to preserve fruitiness. Very pretty, with perfumed plum and wild cassis, framed by finely grippy, lightly sticky tannins. The finish is long and finessed, with lingering crushed florals.
“The 2019 Cabernet Franc Massale has a floral bouquet evoking aromas of violet, dark berries and smoke intertwined with a delicate reduction note. Medium to full-bodied, layered and tense, it’s juicy with a complete profile. A fine value, it’s well worth seeking out. Drink 2023-2030.”91 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate

Appellation : AOC Bordeaux Rouge
Region : Bordeaux
Country : France
Grape(s) : Cabernet Franc
Price : $25
Case : 12 / case

 

 

Les Cailloux 2021

This Merlot comes from 40 year old vines planted on large rounded pebbles 50cm in depth, originating from Quaternary glacial deposits, over a slab of clay. The geological profile of this 2ha plot is atypical for the region. Cold pre-fermentation maceration for 2 days was followed by a fermentation over 25 days in tanks, with gentle extraction through low pressure pump overs. This was then racked in December for 12 months of ageing in 400L French oak barrels (Allier and Vosges). The wine was then further aged for 18 months in concrete tanks before bottling.

"Aromas of ripe blackberries, toasted walnuts, sweet spices and pine cones. Medium-bodied and round-textured with sleek, polished tannins. Attractive, toasty finish. Merlot. Drink or hold.”90 points, James Suckling

Appellation : AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
Region : Bordeaux
Country : France
Grape(s) : Merlot
Price : $41
Case : 6 / case

 

Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.

Cheers,

 

Le Sommelier is proud to be a Collection Partner with ReCORK.
Learn more about the project here.

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