The unique terroir of Chateau Le Pin Beausoleil

The word “terroir” (from the Latin terra, ‘earth’) is a French agricultural term for which there is no clear English translation. The “terroir” describes in summary the natural factors of a particular piece of land, which influence the characteristics of the crops grown there. These conditions of nature include the microclimate, the terrain, as well as the nature of the soil. They interact with the culture-shaping activity of man. The “terroir” thus circumscribes the character and value attributed to a particular growing area and its agricultural products.

The wines of Château Le Pin Beausoleil benefit from a terroir of outstanding quality on the hills above the Dordogne, the value of which was unrecognized for many decades and only revived by our efforts of the last two decades. The wines are grown on three different plots, each with different characteristics.

Our vineyards are tended with the same care as those of the most prestigious wineries of the Right Bank. We systematically replant the vines at high density (at least 6500 Rebstöcke/ha) and short pruning to produce small, loose hanging grapes with concentrated flavor. >

here comes the interactive map

Saint Vincent de Pertignas

Soil condition

Our largest contiguous parcel of 5.5 hectares is located directly in front of the Chateau’s wine cellar. This site is the “skeleton”, the basic structure of our wines. It is characterized by a gently sloping plateau with starfish sediments, at an elevation of 84 and 71 m and covered by an iron-rich ruby red clay with a depth of 20 to 60 cm. The geological configuration corresponds to that of the Saint-Emilion plateau, located a few kilometers to the east.

These soil characteristics result in intensely colored wines with a very earthy aroma between blood orange, meat juice, shocked limestone and airier hints of white fruit and oriental spices….

The tannic profile is perfectly shaped, straightforward and austere in its youth. The wine has lively acidity throughout, approaching the pH of a white wine, and a long, salty finish.

LOCATION

The location of this plot is predestined for great wines, it forms the crest of a range of hills on the left side of the Dordogne. From the highest point you have a wonderful view of Saint Émilion, whose highest elevations are at about the same altitude. Due to the gentle slope, the soil is excellently drained.

The limestone plateau is an ideal buffer for the vines and water. A very open and bright place, where there is always wind and air. The atmosphere is very different from one moment to the next. It is a place of light.

All these factors favorably reduce the influence of frost, hail or pests that depend on moisture.

VARIETIES

The grape varieties grown here are Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.

A large part of the vines were renewed after the acquisition of this plot since 2014. Here we plant mainly Cabernet Franc grapes on the less deep soils of this sector, which allows our wines to develop an aromatic palette of flowers, red fruits and red berries with a leaner and finer tannin framework.

Saint Vincent de Pertignas

Soil condition

Our largest contiguous parcel of 5.5 hectares is located directly in front of the Chateau’s wine cellar. This site is the “skeleton”, the basic structure of our wines. It is characterized by a gently sloping plateau with starfish sediments, at an elevation of 84 and 71 m and covered by an iron-rich ruby red clay with a depth of 20 to 60 cm. The geological configuration corresponds to that of the Saint-Emilion plateau, located a few kilometers to the east.

These soil characteristics result in intensely colored wines with a very earthy aroma between blood orange, meat juice, shocked limestone and airier hints of white fruit and oriental spices….

The tannic profile is perfectly shaped, straightforward and austere in its youth. The wine has lively acidity throughout, approaching the pH of a white wine, and a long, salty finish.

LOCATION

The location of this plot is predestined for great wines, it forms the crest of a range of hills on the left side of the Dordogne. From the highest point you have a wonderful view of Saint Émilion, whose highest elevations are at about the same altitude. Due to the gentle slope, the soil is excellently drained.

The limestone plateau is an ideal buffer for the vines and water. A very open and bright place, where there is always wind and air. The atmosphere is very different from one moment to the next. It is a place of light.

All these factors favorably reduce the influence of frost, hail or pests that depend on moisture.

VARIETIES

The grape varieties grown here are Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.

A large part of the vines were renewed after the acquisition of this plot since 2014. Here we plant mainly Cabernet Franc grapes on the less deep soils of this sector, which allows our wines to develop an aromatic palette of flowers, red fruits and red berries with a leaner and finer tannin framework.

Rauzan

Soil Condition

This plot covers 1 ha and consists of clay and loam soils with sand admixture (also called boulbène). Due to its complex structure, this soil requires regular tillage to counteract its hardening and compaction.

LOCATION

This small parcel is located between Rauzan and Merignas on a sloping depression with southeastern exposure.

VARIETIES

Here we grow 100% Merlot grapes, which produce a fruity, youthful wine with lush, exotic aromas. They are used exclusively for the second wine, Petit Soleil.

Rauzan

Soil Condition

This plot covers 1 ha and consists of clay and loam soils with sand admixture (also called boulbène). Due to its complex structure, this soil requires regular tillage to counteract its hardening and compaction.

LOCATION

This small parcel is located between Rauzan and Merignas on a sloping depression with southeastern exposure.

VARIETIES

Here we grow 100% Merlot grapes, which produce a fruity, youthful wine with lush, exotic aromas. They are used exclusively for the second wine, Petit Soleil.

Merignas

Soil condition

This parcel covers about 2 hectares and forms the letter L. It starts on the starfish limestone plateau typical of the region, with a low clay and sand cover and then follows a gently sloping hillside resting on light limestone marl.

LOCATION

This parcel is located just south of the village of Merignas and is almost completely enclosed by a forest. It represents a quiet, relaxing place in the middle of nature. This is also appreciated by deer and wild boar, which often feast on the shoots or grapes and must be kept away by means of fencing.

VARIETIES

The plot is planted with 80% Merlot (30-40 years old) and 20% Cabernet Franc vines (8 years old). 

Very sensual wines are produced here, generally expressing black and fresh fruits (Burlat cherry, wild blackberry, blueberry) and well ripened lemon peel, evolving over time towards truffle, humus and undergrowth. The palate is full-bodied, caressing, deep and creamy. The tannins are firm and soft at the same time. The finish is fresh and associated with a chalky minerality. The wines of this parcel are the “muscle” of the wines of Château le Pin Beausoleil.

Merignas

Soil condition

This parcel covers about 2 hectares and forms the letter L. It starts on the starfish limestone plateau typical of the region, with a low clay and sand cover and then follows a gently sloping hillside resting on light limestone marl.

LOCATION

This parcel is located just south of the village of Merignas and is almost completely enclosed by a forest. It represents a quiet, relaxing place in the middle of nature. This is also appreciated by deer and wild boar, which often feast on the shoots or grapes and must be kept away by means of fencing.

VARIETIES

The plot is planted with 80% Merlot (30-40 years old) and 20% Cabernet Franc vines (8 years old). 

Very sensual wines are produced here, generally expressing black and fresh fruits (Burlat cherry, wild blackberry, blueberry) and well ripened lemon peel, evolving over time towards truffle, humus and undergrowth. The palate is full-bodied, caressing, deep and creamy. The tannins are firm and soft at the same time. The finish is fresh and associated with a chalky minerality. The wines of this parcel are the “muscle” of the wines of Château le Pin Beausoleil.