Château Puycarpin is in the commune of Belvès-de-Castillon, 45 km east of Bordeaux, on slopes overlooking the Dordogne that extend out from the hills of Saint-Emilion. The region is famous as the place where the battle of Castillon took place in 1453, putting an end to the Hundred Years’ War and beginning the process of bringing Aquitaine under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of France. Château Puycarpin produces Côtes de Castillon appellation and Bordeaux Supérieur wines; these are tannic, hearty, pleasant wines. The château has belonged to De Rivoyre since 1984 and has therefore naturally become a subsidiary of Grands Vins de Gironde, under the name of “Société Civile Agricole Château Puycarpin”. Jean-Claude Barthe, the oenologist in charge of vinification, created the current character of the wine from the 1985 vintage, using modern techniques and rigorous temperature control.

The vineyards extend over 15 ha of south-facing clay-and-limestone slopes. They are planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s hot, dry climate allows the grapes to achieve full maturity. After the harvest, all the juice, skins and pips are put in the fermentation vat and fermented at 28-30°C to preserve the fruity aromas and finesse of the grapes. The wine is then macerated and, after a second fermentation, put in oak barrels to mature for 12 months. It is bottled approximately 18 months after the harvest.