There are many wine producers in the world, but there is only one Chateau Petrus. This prestigious winery has been producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world for centuries. If you're a wine lover, then you need to learn more about this iconic producer! In this article, we will discuss five facts that every wine lover should know about Chateau Petrus.
It’s technically just Petrus
In Bordeaux, the term Chateau is often given to wine-producing estates. However, the label on the Petrus bottles only ever titles it as Pétrus Pomérols. The estate was originally called Pétrus-Lalande before its current name was adopted in 1868.
The difference in the name might be because the wine-producing facilities at Petrus are somewhat smaller and less ostentatious than the aristocratic estates and castles at vineyards like Lafite and Margeaux.
It’s also not technically a Grand Cru
While it might be mentioned in the same breath as some of the most famous Châteaux in the Médoc, Petrus is not a Grand Cru. This is because it is not mentioned in the classification of Bordeaux wines of 1855.
Despite not being classified as a Grand Cru, some of the vintages of Petrus have sold for more than $15,000 per bottle.
Chateau Petrus is invitation only
Many wine Chateaus are happy to host guests as part of the wine tourism industry and many have hotels and spas on site. However, Chateau Petrus is a little pickier about who they let in. In order to tour the vineyards and cellars, you need an invitation from the owner and very few people are ever given one.
It’s a very small vineyard
The vineyards that produce the grapes for Chateau Petrus cover just 11 hectares, which is relatively small in comparison to some of the other famous Bordeaux wine producer properties.
This means that the amount of wine produced is also relatively small
In total, the Chateau Petrus team only produces around 3000 cases of wine per year. This is partly why the wine is so expensive and also why it’s so difficult to come by.
They really go the extra mile to ensure quality
One of the hallmarks of Chateau Petrus is the lengths that they go to in order to ensure the quality of their wine. The grapes are all hand-picked, for example, and then sorted multiple times before being put into barrels.
One of the most well-known stories about Chateau Petrus is that, during a particularly rainy season in 1987, helicopters were used to dry the grapes before picking could begin.
All of this effort clearly pays off, as Chateau Petrus wines regularly rank among the best in the world.
So there you have it, five top facts about one of the most legendary wine producers in history, Petrus. If you’re ever lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, be sure to savour every last drop!
