Couvent des Jacobins

Viticulture

Organic (2020 onwards)

Winemaker

Denis Pomarede

Classification

Grand Cru Classé

about the terroir

The vineyard spreads over 10.7 hectares with three grape varieties : merlot, cabernet franc and petit-verdot since 2010. The petit-verdot brings fu...

The vineyard spreads over 10.7 hectares with three grape varieties : merlot, cabernet franc and petit-verdot since 2010. The petit-verdot brings further aromatic complexity and density. Included in the blend of Couvent des Jacobins since the 2014 vintage, and reinforces the identity of the estate without changing its underlying winemaking philosophy. The average age of the vineyard is about 40 years.

Couvent des Jacobins vines grow over 4 main soil types : the limestone plateau (right in front of Couvent des Jacobins); sandy-clay (mostly clay below 45 centimeters) with a fairly high share of limestone nodules ('molasses du fronsadais') ; sandy-clay (Southwest hill of Saint-Émilion); and clay and limestone (Northeast plateau, bordering the Asteries Plateau at the entrance of Saint-Émilion).

Browse Wines

Located in the heart of the beautiful hills, on the former site of a 13th century Dominican monastery in Saint- Émilion, Couvent des Jacobins is one of the gems of French wine heritage. Carefully restored over time, le Couvent des Jacobins is a place of memories, filled with objects which are symbolic, sometimes old and often rare.

Le Couvent des Jacobins was built in 1389 for the Jacobin preaching brothers, a gift made by the Duke of Lancaster, son of King Edward III of England. These Dominican monks, planted a remarkable vineyard around the walls that surrounded the city. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the wines made from the grapes of these vines were recognized as the most characteristic of all Saint-Emilion. In the 1780’s, the monks left the monastery, which then went into the ownership of a succession of various notable families.

Since 1902, the Joinaud–borde family has continued the tradition of the noble vineyards of old, while preserving the soul of this great historic place.

"This is a gift, which I entrust to you, if you have self respect, you must leave it better than I have given it to you." - Jean JEAN

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Nested at the heart of the World Heritage city of Saint-Émilion, Couvent des Jacobins is among those places whose soul and identity linger in the memory of those who visit it. From the Middle Ages to today, the Domaine has spent almost 7 centuries celebrating winemaking, an exceptional terroir, and the great tradition of the Classified Growth wine estates of Saint-Émilion, a unique UNESCO World Heritage.

Organic-farming certified by ECOCERT France since September 2020, the winemaking philosophy at Couvent des Jacobins emphasizes finesse and balance.

The harvest exclusively takes place by hand, and the wine are barrelled by gravity in oak barrels. Once the ageing is completed, the blend is finalised by letting the wine rest in the cement vats for several weeks. Bottling is undertaken in the underground cellar from the cuvier by gravity. It is in those ideal conditions that the wines of Couvent des Jacobins start their long ageing process.

Couvent des Jacobins Grand Cru Saint-Émilion is the historical label of the domaine, the identity from 120 years of vineyard acquisition on the Plateau and the southwest slope and foothills of Saint Emilion.

A blend of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot (since 2014), produced from older vines on the estate. Structured, dense, complex yet freshness and acidity throughout vintages. Longer ageing in oaks and target ageing potential beyond 20 years.

Le Menut des Jacobins Grand Cru Saint-Émilion is the second label of Couvent des Jacobins since 1998. Predominantly merlot with a touch of cabernet franc for the structure, and coming from the younger plots of the domaine on the foothill. A fruit-forward, silky wine with a hint of oak, and best enjoyed within 3 to 10 years.