Château Dompierre

Key Highlights

• New Estate Founded in 2013 by Michel Aroldi
• Located in Saint-Laurent-Médoc within the Pauillac AOC
• Minimal-Intervention Philosophy Inspired by Burgundy Precision
• Sustainable Vineyard Practices with Plot-by-Plot Management

A MODERN VISION IN PAUILLAC

Château Dompierre, created in 2013 by Michel Aroldi, represents a rare new venture in the heart of Bordeaux's traditional Left Bank. Situated in Saint-Laurent-Médoc within the Pauillac appellation, the estate departs from Bordeaux convention by adopting a Burgundian mindset—focusing on precision, terroir expression, and restrained winemaking. In a short period, Dompierre has gained recognition for crafting wines of individuality and finesse.

SUSTAINABLE VITICULTURE & VINEYARD MANAGEMENT

The estate emphasizes soil health and biodiversity, with regular plowing to encourage deep rooting and resilience. Natural cover crops improve soil structure and balance, while manual canopy management, green harvesting, and selective leaf removal optimize ripeness without excess. Each plot is farmed and monitored individually, allowing the terroir of Pauillac to show clearly in the wines.

WINEMAKING: MINIMAL INTERVENTION, MAXIMUM EXPRESSION

Harvests are carried out manually, followed by optical sorting to ensure quality. Fermentations proceed with indigenous yeasts, and the reds employ submerged cap fermentation—a rare technique in Bordeaux—to achieve gentle extraction and protect against oxidation. Extended macerations (five to eight weeks) are followed by 18 to 36 months of aging in large oak vats.

For the white wine, Sauvignon Blanc undergoes partial skin-contact maceration, adding aromatic complexity and texture, aiming for a Loire Valley-inspired profile.

AN EMERGING PAUILLAC ESTATE

By combining sustainable farming, careful plot-by-plot vineyard management, and a disciplined, minimal-intervention cellar philosophy, Michel Aroldi has positioned Château Dompierre as a fresh voice within Pauillac. The estate's approach underscores both respect for Bordeaux tradition and a willingness to innovate—producing wines that are precise, balanced, and distinctive.