While the 2024 harvest began on August 31st with the picking of the Chardonnay parcel, followed earlier this week by the Pinot Noir, Château Doyac—a certified biodynamic estate in the Haut-Médoc, accredited by Demeter and Biodyvin—is launching its new range of single-varietal wines: a Cabernet Franc under the Haut-Médoc AOC, and both a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay under the IGP Atlantique. Grown on parcels carefully selected for their individual qualities, these grape varieties—unusual for the Médoc—produce wines with unique character that pique the curiosity of wine lovers. The 2023 vintage marks the debut of this single-varietal collection. Produced in limited quantities, the wines are available at a recommended retail price of €22 for the Pinot Noir and €20 for the Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
A new single-grape collection
Château Doyac, known for its red wine production as well as its white wine Le Pélican made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is expanding its range with the creation of this new line of single-varietal wines. To ensure clear identity and easy recognition, the Pourtalès family chose a bottle shape distinct from the traditional Bordeaux style and a minimalist label design featuring, in the background, a pelican — the family’s emblematic symbol. Produced in a limited edition, this range is available for direct sale to private customers and will be featured in a special discovery gift box for the holiday season.
Pinot Noir Doyac 2023
Always driven by curiosity and a spirit of discovery, the de Pourtalès family took an innovative step by harvesting a parcel of Pinot Noir on August 28th, 2023. With its notes of red and black fruits and its smooth, well-integrated tannins, this is an approachable wine that offers immediate pleasure to wine lovers.
Chardonnay Doyac 2023
The Chardonnay parcel was harvested for the first time on August 22nd, 2023 — a moment that delighted the entire team. The golden, juicy Chardonnay grapes were handpicked early in the morning to preserve their freshness upon arrival at the press. For the white wine harvest, Clémence de Pourtalès carefully prepared the natural starter culture used to inoculate the fermentation tanks. Like Le Pélican, the estate’s signature white wine, this Chardonnay cuvée received meticulous care and was vinified in 300L Umami barrels, 750L amphorae, and small 20 hL wooden vats. After aging, the wine reveals its aromatic intensity, with bright citrus and floral notes, and a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Cabernet Franc Doyac 2023
Max de Pourtalès is particularly fond of this grape variety and has made it the focus of a dedicated cuvée. The proportion of Cabernet Franc is already increasing in the final blend of Château Doyac’s grand red wine — the 2023 vintage is composed of 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. This deliberate choice is now made easier thanks to the wider availability of clones.