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In the second episode of "Entre Deux Vins," Oeni’s podcast, Marielle Cazaux, Managing Director of Château La Conseillante in Pomerol, shared her vision of wine, the evolution of vineyard practices, and her remarkable journey in the wine world.
The importance of long-term thinking in vineyard work
In the second episode of Oeni’s podcast, Marielle Cazaux, Managing Director of Château La Conseillante in Pomerol, shared her vision of wine, the evolution of vineyard practices, and her remarkable journey in the wine world.
Working in the vines is a long and meticulous process, and Marielle Cazaux speaks about it with humility. "When you work with living plants, it takes time," she explains. You can see that in the gradual evolution of the vintages, especially 2015 and 2016, which marked a turning point in her work at Château La Conseillante. And yet, as she points out: "I didn’t achieve results through my work alone, but through the work of an entire team." The vine, fragile and complex, demands constant attention and a great deal of patience. While it isn’t immune to every weather hazard, it becomes gradually more resilient thanks to thoughtful, well-adapted practices.
An inspiring personal journey
Marielle Cazaux, originally from the Landes and the daughter of farmers, didn’t grow up among the vines, but she developed a passion for agriculture and wine at a very young age. "My father introduced me to wine," she says warmly. That family passion was strengthened by hard work and a belief in the value of effort. "I thought you couldn’t succeed without a name, without connections. That was wrong," she admits, revealing her uncompromising drive to rise through the wine world. Her arrival at Château La Conseillante as technical director marked a new chapter in her career, before she went on to become Managing Director.
The role of the winemaker and the working philosophy at Château La Conseillante
The interview also explores the role of the winemaker in crafting a great cru. Marielle stresses the importance of humility in the face of this "masterpiece" that is the vine and the wine. In her view, the winemaker must know how to listen to the land and the plant, and must be both creative and respectful in the choices they make. Since 2016, many changes have been introduced at Château La Conseillante, including a shift toward more environmentally respectful practices such as biodynamics and more natural farming methods.
Changes to pruning methods and the use of cover crops have made it possible to improve vineyard management. "We’ve brought back more organic farming, biodynamics, and we make our own biofertilizers," Marielle says enthusiastically. These innovations are designed to respect the vine’s natural cycle and improve grape quality, while limiting environmental impact.
Collaboration and solidarity at the heart of Pomerol
Another fascinating part of the interview focuses on the mutual support found within Pomerol’s wine community. "There’s a strong spirit of mutual aid in Pomerol, and people don’t know that," Marielle says. She highlights the solidarity among the region’s winemakers, who share resources and know-how to overcome challenges, especially those linked to frost. For example, she mentions a collaboration with Juliette from Évangile to protect the vines from frost using a shared wind machine. "We lend each other tractors, shredders, and we hold technical meetings together," she adds, underlining the importance of cooperation in collective success.
The vintages: a remarkable fragrance
Finally, the interview ends with a discussion of recent vintages. Marielle is enthusiastic when she talks about the 2019 vintage, which she describes as "extremely creamy." In her view, 2019 delivers a pure expression of Pomerol’s terroir, with a fleshy texture and the gentle softness typical of Merlot, the region’s flagship grape. She also champions the 2020 vintage, which she sees as "a little more elevated," highlighting the diversity and complexity of the wines produced at Château La Conseillante.
Conclusion
Through this conversation, Marielle Cazaux reveals a deeply human approach, rooted in respect for wine and terroir. Her inspiring journey, her long-term vision, and her ability to innovate while staying true to tradition make Château La Conseillante a benchmark of success in the wine world. A must-read interview for anyone passionate about wine and sustainable agriculture.
You can listen to the full episode of the podcast "Entre Deux Vins" to discover Marielle Cazaux’s story and philosophy in more detail.
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