Château Dutruch Grand Poujeaux

The estate was established in the 1850s by the Dutruch family in the village of Grand Poujeaux. It first appeared in the Féret guide in 1868, which documented the original ownership and early vineyard presence. In 1967, François Cordonnier purchased the property and initiated a period of expansion, increasing the total vineyard area from 11 to 28 hectares. Management eventually passed to his four nephews in 1993. In 2016, one of those nephews, also named François Cordonnier, acquired full ownership from his siblings. Under his direction, the family has prioritized technical improvements in the cellar and a stricter selection process for the final blends.

The 31 hectare vineyard is situated on the Grand Poujeaux plateau within the Moulis en Médoc appellation. Approximately 90 percent of the holdings consist of deep Garonne gravel, specifically identified as Type 3 terraces, while the remainder features clay limestone and sandy soils. This gravel provides natural drainage and heat retention, which helps the ripening of the estate grapes. The vineyard is planted with 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 45 percent Merlot, with the rest occupied by Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Planting density is high, ranging between 8,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare. Winemaking involves fermentation in temperature controlled concrete and stainless steel vats, followed by 12 months of aging in French oak barrels, with one third of the barrels renewed each year.

Château Dutruch Grand Poujeaux is classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the highest tier within the 2020 Cru Bourgeois ranking system. This designation reflects the estate historical consistency and its position among the top properties of the Moulis appellation. In addition to the primary red wine, the property produces a second label called Le Petit Dutruch and a limited production of white wine. The portfolio also includes single varietal expressions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc under the L’Autruch’ de Dutruch label. The wines are recognized for their balance and structure, with the capacity to age for several decades while maintaining fresh fruit and toasted characteristics.