Acte is owned by the Guinaudeau family, who farm the legendary Château Lafleur in Pomerol. They also count among their holdings Château Grand Village in the commune of Mouillac. The family had often imagined finding a clay and limestone terroir on which to cultivate Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The regular drive from their home in Mouillac through Fronsac to Pomerol presented the opportunity to secure suitable plots. This is an ongoing project, buying up new parcels and re-planting. This process may take another 20 years to complete; the next generation will reap the rewards. The ambition it to eventually have equal plantings of Merlot and Cabernet Franc on soils that mirror the best terroirs of St Emilion .

Acte one debuted in 2009 and was an instant hit. It was fleshy, round, modern and accessible. Although it seemed rather unpretentious, it has developed into a really delightful and sophisticated wine. In fact all the early Actes have transformed into something finer and more elegant. Following lots of advances at the estate including a selction massale program (taking old pre-clonal Cabernet Franc, or Bouchet they are called on the right bank from Chateau Lafleur), subsequent vintages appear to have a more complex character and are beginning to share an unmistakeable similarity to the family’s Pomerol wines! If Lafleur and Pensees de Lafleur are out of your price range, or you want something for everyday drinking, Acte hits the spot!