Michel Ponty's grandfather bought Chateau du Pavillon in 1925 and his father bought Grand Renouil in the 1930s. Michel, former president of the Syndicat de Canon Fronsac, now looks after the chai and sometimes the vineyard too.  Work in the vineyard and winery is traditional: “All you need is good terroir and grapes and the rest is attention to detail.” 

Grass is grown between rows to minimise vigour, and effeuillage is carried out later on in the season, as early effeuillage can result in shrivelled grapes.  Grapes for all wines are put into plastic bins in the vineyard to avoid crushing. Grand Renouil is made from grapes grown on the steeper slopes of the commune of St Michel de Fronsac.  A large part of the vines are over 70 years old.  Made from 100% Merlot this wine has spent 12 months in barrique.