Producer Château Moulin Pey-Labrie

FRANCE, BORDEAUX

Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac are among the most regrettably under-recognized appellations in Bordeaux. Located on the Right Bank, just downstream from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, they share with the latter an excellent natural hillside position (rare in Bordeaux) and a predominantly limestone terroir, resting on molasses, of outstanding viticultural value. It was in these vine-producing regions that Bénédicte and Grégoire Hubau decided to settle in 1988. After establishing Château Pey-Labrie (now just over 7 hectares), the couple, originally from Picardy, acquired two other small estates: Haut-Lariveau (4.5 hectares) and Combes-Canon (3.5 hectares). Viticultural practices quickly shifted toward healthy, vibrant agriculture (mechanical grassing and weeding, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals), now certified organic by Écocert and reinforced by the practice of biodynamics (which is not certified). Winemaking focuses on minimal intervention, aimed at maximizing the natural quality of the raw materials, without oenological subterfuge: manual harvesting, destemming, spontaneous fermentation in small, temperature-controlled tanks, no use of enzymes, no oenological fining, and moderate use of sulfites. This is how great Bordeaux wines are born, simultaneously free and classic, refined and authentic.