Clos Puy Arnaud
クロ・ピュイ・アルノー
A Demeter-certified biodynamic estate on the same limestone as Saint-Émilion's finest, crafting pure, mineral-driven Bordeaux.
Clos Puy Arnaud is one of the most acclaimed biodynamic estates in Bordeaux, located in Belvès-de-Castillon in the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Founded in its modern form when Thierry Valette — a member of the family that formerly owned Château Pavie and Troplong-Mondot in Saint-Émilion — purchased the property in 2000, the estate has become a beacon of terroir-driven, low-intervention winemaking on the Right Bank. Covering 15 hectares, 85% of the vineyard lies on the plateau of calcaire à astéries — the hardest local limestone, formed 30 million years ago and shared with Saint-Émilion's greatest Grand Cru Classé vineyards. The estate converted to biodynamic viticulture in 2004, received Biodyvin certification in 2010 and Demeter certification in 2014. The vineyard is planted to 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with wines prized for their freshness, mineral precision and elegant fruit — a striking alternative to the heavier, more extracted style of traditional Bordeaux.
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for wine lovers drawn to biodynamic and natural winemaking who want a precise, terroir-expressive Bordeaux without heavy oak or extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Thierry Valette and what is his background?
- Thierry Valette is the owner and winemaker of Clos Puy Arnaud. He comes from the Valette family, who previously owned Château Pavie and Troplong-Mondot — two prestigious Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estates. He purchased Clos Puy Arnaud in 2000 and has transformed it into a biodynamic reference estate.
- What certifications does Clos Puy Arnaud hold?
- The estate converted to biodynamic viticulture in 2004, received Biodyvin certification in 2010, and achieved Demeter certification in 2014 — the two leading international biodynamic certifications.
- What makes the terroir of Clos Puy Arnaud special?
- 85% of the vineyard rests on calcaire à astéries — the hardest local limestone formed 30 million years ago, named for fossilized starfish-like organisms. This is the same geological foundation as Saint-Émilion's most celebrated Grand Cru Classé vineyards.
- How do Clos Puy Arnaud wines differ from typical Bordeaux?
- Rather than pursuing heavy extraction and significant oak influence, Thierry Valette crafts wines defined by freshness, mineral tension and vibrant fruit. The style bridges traditional Bordeaux structure with a more modern, terroir-focused elegance.
- What grape varieties are planted at Clos Puy Arnaud?
- The estate is planted to 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all farmed using 100% biodynamic methods across the estate's 15 hectares.