Chateau Hostens Picant Sainte Foy Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Hostens Picant

Learn everything about Chateau Hostens Picant, Sainte Foy Bordeaux with wine tasting notes, ratings, a history of the property, wine and food pairing tips, best vintages, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Hostens Picant History, Overview

The modern era for Chateau Hostens Picant starts in 1986 when Yves Hostens Picant and Nadine Hostens Picant purchased the estate. They renamed the property and the hard work began for the couple.

Prior to their purchase, the harvest was sold to negociants. It took 4 years before they produced the first vintage of Chateau Hostens Picant. This was necessary because, at the time of the purchase, the vineyard and winemaking facilities were in serious need of renovation.

The estate had fallen into a dilapidated state. In 1986, only 19 of the estate’s 42 hectares were even planted! They desperately needed to increase the vine density as well.

As you can easily guess, it was quite an expensive and time-consuming process to cultivate the remaining 23 hectares with vines. The next major decision for the new owners was to bring in the team of Stephane Derenoncourt to consult on their vineyards and with their work in the cellars. This took place in 2004.

Chateau Hostens Picant Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 39-hectare vineyard of Chateau Hostens Picant is planted for both red and wine grapes. 30 hectares of vines are planted to 66% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon for the red wine grapes.

For their white Bordeaux wine, 9 hectares of vines are planted to 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 5% Muscadelle.

The vines are located in the little-known, Sainte Foy appellation, which is about 45 minutes to an hour from St. Emilion. Their relatively close proximity to the Right Bank explains why their terroir is quite similar to what you can find in many Right Bank vineyards.

Hostens Picant produces both red and white Bordeaux wine. 32 hectares of vines are devoted to red wine grapes, and the remaining 10 hectares are dedicated to the production of white Bordeaux wine. The terroir is gravel, clay, and limestone soils.

The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,000 vines per hectare. This represented a major change in the vineyard because prior to their purchase of the estate, the vineyard was only planted to 3,200 vines per hectare.

To produce the red wine of Chateau Hostens Picant, the wine is vinified in a combination of 21, stainless steel and wood vats that vary in size from 65 hectoliters up to 250 hectoliters. Malolactic fermentation for Hostens Picant takes place in tanks. On average, the wine is aged in 33% new, French oak for about 18 months.

Chateau Hostens Picant also produces a special cuvee’, Chateau Hostens Picant Cuvee d’Exception Lucullus. For their high-end wine, Hostens Picant Cuvee d’Exception Lucullus, the wine which made its debut in 1998, is fermented in a combination of stainless steel vats and oak tanks.

Malolactic fermentation for Hostens Picant Cuvee d’Exception Lucullus takes place in barrel. Chateau Hostens Picant Cuvee d’Exception Lucullus receives much more work with their aging as the wine is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for 18 months.

The estate also produces 2 white Bordeaux wines, Hostens Picant Blanc and Hostens Picant Cuvee des Demoiselles. To produce the white wine of Hostens Picant, the wine is vinified and aged in a combination of new and used, French oak barrels.

The white Bordeaux wine of Hostens Picant has limited skin contact. The wine is completely vinified in used and new, French oak barrels. There is no malolactic fermentation. The white wine is aged on its lees with stirring for about 10 months before bottling.

The total production for all 4 wines from Hostens Picant is about 16,500 cases per year.

The best vintages of Chateau Hostens Picant are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

When to Drink Chateau La Graviere, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Hostens Picant is better with at least 1-3 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for up to 1 hour, helping the wine soften to help develop the aromatic character.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Hostens Picant offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 2-8 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Hostens Picant with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Hostens Picant is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Hostens Picant is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Hostens Picant is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

www.chateauhostens-picant.fr

Château Hostens-Picant Wine Tasting Notes

27 Vintages 53,782 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
92
Floral in nature, due to the large portion of 53% Cabernet Franc in the blend, the wine is creamy, round, polished, and fruity, with nice definition in the black cherry and crushed stone finish. Give this a few years of age before you pull a cork, and this should be an even better wine. Drink from 2025-2035. 91-93 Pts.

Floral in nature, due to the large portion of 53% Cabernet Franc in the blend, the wine is creamy, round, polished, and fruity, with nice definition in the black cherry and crushed stone finish. Give this a few years of age before you pull a cork, and this should be an even better wine. Drink from 2025-2035. 91-93 Pts.

1,526 Views   Tasted
2022
88
The medium-bodied, fruity, forward, soft wine is round, ope,n and ready to go with its nice portfolio of sweet, ripe cherries. Drink from 2025-2031. 90-89 Pts.

The medium-bodied, fruity, forward, soft wine is round, ope,n and ready to go with its nice portfolio of sweet, ripe cherries. Drink from 2025-2031. 90-89 Pts.

1,472 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Smoke, herbs, and bright, fresh, chewy red fruits and a distinctive floral note are found in the nose as well as in the round, soft, forward, fruit-filled palate. Drink from 2023-2031. 88-90

Smoke, herbs, and bright, fresh, chewy red fruits and a distinctive floral note are found in the nose as well as in the round, soft, forward, fruit-filled palate. Drink from 2023-2031. 88-90

1,167 Views   Tasted
2021
89
Pineapples, orange rind, white peach, and candied tangerines pop in the perfume. The palate is equal to the nose with all of its sweet white peaches, citrus, spice and lemon curd. Drink from 2024-2028.

Pineapples, orange rind, white peach, and candied tangerines pop in the perfume. The palate is equal to the nose with all of its sweet white peaches, citrus, spice and lemon curd. Drink from 2024-2028.

102 Views   Tasted
2020
90
Juicy, sweet and fresh with a distinctive aromatic character of white peach, spice, pear, lemon oil and green apples. There is a refreshing pop of green apples on the palate with sweetness and lift. This will be best in its refreshing youth. 90 Pts

Juicy, sweet and fresh with a distinctive aromatic character of white peach, spice, pear, lemon oil and green apples. There is a refreshing pop of green apples on the palate with sweetness and lift. This will be best in its refreshing youth. 90 Pts

1,229 Views   Tasted
2020
90
Spicy, smoky, meaty, herbal and oaky, the fruit is round, soft and polished. Savory in character, with soft, ripe, round tannins and a spicy, earthy character to the plummy finish. Give this a few years of age before you pull a cork, and this could be an even better wine. 89-91 Pts

Spicy, smoky, meaty, herbal and oaky, the fruit is round, soft and polished. Savory in character, with soft, ripe, round tannins and a spicy, earthy character to the plummy finish. Give this a few years of age before you pull a cork, and this could be an even better wine. 89-91 Pts

1,233 Views   Tasted
2020
86
Dominated by espresso, mocha, smoke, herbs and red fruits, the wine is forward, open, soft, bright, salty and already easy to drink. 85-87 Pts

Dominated by espresso, mocha, smoke, herbs and red fruits, the wine is forward, open, soft, bright, salty and already easy to drink. 85-87 Pts

1,175 Views   Tasted
2019
90
The star of the Sainte Foy appellation offers espresso bean roasted plums, black cherries and licorice on the nose. Ruby in color, the wine is soft, polished, juicy and loaded with sweet, ripe, fresh red fruits, herbs and spices. Drink it young, or age it a few years before opening a bottle. 89-91 Pts

The star of the Sainte Foy appellation offers espresso bean roasted plums, black cherries and licorice on the nose. Ruby in color, the wine is soft, polished, juicy and loaded with sweet, ripe, fresh red fruits, herbs and spices. Drink it young, or age it a few years before opening a bottle. 89-91 Pts

2,212 Views   Tasted
2019
88
White peach and green apples pop with freshness and a sweet, yellow citrus peel finish. This will be best in its refreshing youth. 88 Pts

White peach and green apples pop with freshness and a sweet, yellow citrus peel finish. This will be best in its refreshing youth. 88 Pts

2,470 Views   Tasted
2019
86
Spicy, earthy, smoky red fruits and underbrush are on the nose. Medium-bodied, earthy, round and fruity on the palate, the finish combines red berries and green olives with herbs on the rustic backend. 85-87-Pts

Spicy, earthy, smoky red fruits and underbrush are on the nose. Medium-bodied, earthy, round and fruity on the palate, the finish combines red berries and green olives with herbs on the rustic backend. 85-87-Pts

2,190 Views   Tasted
2018
91
The undisputed star of the Sainte Foy appellation shows a deep color. Fresh, vibrant, dark red berries, espresso, licorice, cocoa, spice and dark chocolate are found on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with a rich, round palate feel, the wine can be enjoyed early, though a few years will add more complexity here.

The undisputed star of the Sainte Foy appellation shows a deep color. Fresh, vibrant, dark red berries, espresso, licorice, cocoa, spice and dark chocolate are found on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with a rich, round palate feel, the wine can be enjoyed early, though a few years will add more complexity here.

598 Views   Tasted
Lusciously textured, black fruits, soft tannins, licorice, espresso bean and plums come together in a forward styled, already delicious wine. Drink it young, or age it a few years before opening a bottle. 90-92 Pts

Lusciously textured, black fruits, soft tannins, licorice, espresso bean and plums come together in a forward styled, already delicious wine. Drink it young, or age it a few years before opening a bottle. 90-92 Pts

1,241 Views   Tasted
2018
89
White peach, pomelo, lemon curd and a touch of vanilla on the nose and the palate, which is also where you find sweet green apples with lemon peel in the fresh finish. This will be best in its refreshing youth.

White peach, pomelo, lemon curd and a touch of vanilla on the nose and the palate, which is also where you find sweet green apples with lemon peel in the fresh finish. This will be best in its refreshing youth.

932 Views   Tasted
2018
87
Medium-bodied, herbs, bright red fruits and an easy going, earthy, red pit fruit finish with a touch of bitter chocolate and espresso on the back end.

Medium-bodied, herbs, bright red fruits and an easy going, earthy, red pit fruit finish with a touch of bitter chocolate and espresso on the back end.

593 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, bright red fruits, with herbs, tobacco and underbrush and red plums. 85-87 Pts

Medium-bodied, bright red fruits, with herbs, tobacco and underbrush and red plums. 85-87 Pts

1,115 Views   Tasted
2016
91
Dark in color, the star of the little-known Saint Foy appellation is round, lush and loaded with deep black fruits and cocoa. The wine is fleshy and fruity.

Dark in color, the star of the little-known Saint Foy appellation is round, lush and loaded with deep black fruits and cocoa. The wine is fleshy and fruity.

1,702 Views   Tasted
Round textures, sweet, lush, red fruits and a juicy mid palate are made even better with a sweet, spicy, plummy finish.

Round textures, sweet, lush, red fruits and a juicy mid palate are made even better with a sweet, spicy, plummy finish.

1,210 Views   Tasted
2016
90
For early drinking pleasure the wine serves up light notes of yellow citrus fruit with floral accents.

For early drinking pleasure the wine serves up light notes of yellow citrus fruit with floral accents.

1,041 Views   Tasted
2016
90
Earthy black cherry and roasted coffee beans kick things off nicely before moving on to the soft, sweet, forward, blast of juicy cherries and dark chocolate on the palate and in the finish.

Earthy black cherry and roasted coffee beans kick things off nicely before moving on to the soft, sweet, forward, blast of juicy cherries and dark chocolate on the palate and in the finish.

2,641 Views   Tasted
Licorice, smoke and black raspberry scents open to a soft, sweet, supple, forward, open wine, which will offer its charms on release.

Licorice, smoke and black raspberry scents open to a soft, sweet, supple, forward, open wine, which will offer its charms on release.

1,956 Views   Tasted
2015
91
Supple, round, dark red fruits, with a character driven, polished, ripe, rich, lush fruity finish.

Supple, round, dark red fruits, with a character driven, polished, ripe, rich, lush fruity finish.

1,347 Views   Tasted
2015
87
Round, soft and open, the wine is medium bodied, with juicy plums, raspberries and an easy to like cherry finish.

Round, soft and open, the wine is medium bodied, with juicy plums, raspberries and an easy to like cherry finish.

1,464 Views   Tasted
2014
88
Rich, supple, sweet, dark red fruits, with a round, character driven, polished finish. 87-89 Pts

Rich, supple, sweet, dark red fruits, with a round, character driven, polished finish. 87-89 Pts

1,601 Views   Tasted
2014
87
Ripe, round, sweet plums, and juicy raspberries, with a sweet, soft, black cherry finish. 86-88 Pts

Ripe, round, sweet plums, and juicy raspberries, with a sweet, soft, black cherry finish. 86-88 Pts

1,671 Views   Tasted
2013
84
Citrus and tangy red berries in the nose, light and easy going, with an approachable, fresh, light cherry finish. From a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. 83-85 Pts

Citrus and tangy red berries in the nose, light and easy going, with an approachable, fresh, light cherry finish. From a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. 83-85 Pts

1,560 Views   Tasted
2012
88
The blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc reached 14% ABV. The black cherry, licorice-centric wine offers soft textures and a medium-bodied cherry finish. 87-89 Pts

The blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc reached 14% ABV. The black cherry, licorice-centric wine offers soft textures and a medium-bodied cherry finish. 87-89 Pts

1,950 Views   Tasted
2012
84
Light and dominated by red berries, this medium-bodied wine ends with a red fruit finish. 83-85 Pts

Light and dominated by red berries, this medium-bodied wine ends with a red fruit finish. 83-85 Pts

1,524 Views   Tasted
2010
90
Forward, this modern styled, plump, round wine delivers lot of sweet, ripe black cherries, chocolate, smoke, fennel, coffee bean and blackberries. The wine is already drinking well.

Forward, this modern styled, plump, round wine delivers lot of sweet, ripe black cherries, chocolate, smoke, fennel, coffee bean and blackberries. The wine is already drinking well.

2,131 Views   Tasted
2010
85
A simple, straight forward, generic Bordeaux wine in an easy to like style. I'd drink this over the next few years.

A simple, straight forward, generic Bordeaux wine in an easy to like style. I'd drink this over the next few years.

2,250 Views   Tasted
2009
89
Lucullus Cuvee d’Exception is the top wine from Hostens Picant. Stone, licorice and blackberry jam scents open to a medium bodied with soft, round textures that ends with a tasty plummy finish.

Lucullus Cuvee d’Exception is the top wine from Hostens Picant. Stone, licorice and blackberry jam scents open to a medium bodied with soft, round textures that ends with a tasty plummy finish.

2,928 Views   Tasted
2009 Lucullus Cuvee d’Exception is the top wine from Hostens Picant. Minerals, dark fruit, blackberries, and pepper combined with soft, round textures are the signature of this wine. 87-90 Pts

2009 Lucullus Cuvee d’Exception is the top wine from Hostens Picant. Minerals, dark fruit, blackberries, and pepper combined with soft, round textures are the signature of this wine. 87-90 Pts

3,226 Views   Tasted
2009
85
Forest floor, spice strawberry and pepper on the nose, medium bodied with some green notes amongst the black raspberry flavors are found in the slightly drying finish.

Forest floor, spice strawberry and pepper on the nose, medium bodied with some green notes amongst the black raspberry flavors are found in the slightly drying finish.

2,080 Views   Tasted
2009 Hostens Picant is a medium bodied, soft textured wine with berries and hints of cocoa in the finish. 84-86 Pts

2009 Hostens Picant is a medium bodied, soft textured wine with berries and hints of cocoa in the finish. 84-86 Pts

2,245 Views   Tasted