Chateau Gruaud LaroseProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Gruaud-Larose, located in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, is a historic estate that has long been celebrated for its powerful and elegant wines. As a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Gruaud-Larose is known for producing wines that embody the quintessential characteristics of Saint-Julien—structure, balance, and a remarkable ability to age. Often referred to as the "King of Wines, the Wine of Kings," this estate has been a beacon of excellence in Bordeaux for centuries.

The history of Château Gruaud-Larose dates back to 1725 when it was founded by Joseph Stanislas Gruaud, a prominent Bordeaux magistrate. The estate was originally two separate properties, Gruaud and Larose, which were eventually united under the ownership of Joseph's descendant, Baron Sarget de Larose, in the late 18th century. The estate gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines early on, and its inclusion as a Second Growth in the 1855 Classification solidified its status as one of Bordeaux’s top producers.

Throughout the centuries, Château Gruaud-Larose has changed hands multiple times, with each owner contributing to its legacy. In the 20th century, the Cordier family took over the estate and invested heavily in both the vineyards and the winemaking facilities, ensuring that Gruaud-Larose continued to produce wines of exceptional quality. Today, the estate is owned by the Merlaut family, who have maintained the château's commitment to excellence while also embracing modern winemaking techniques.

The Terroir of Château Gruaud-Larose

The terroir of Château Gruaud-Larose is one of its most valuable assets, playing a crucial role in the character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 82 hectares of vineyards are situated on the famous gravelly soils of Saint-Julien, which are ideal for growing the classic Bordeaux grape varieties. These deep gravel soils, interspersed with clay and sand, provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to root deeply and access vital nutrients. This terroir contributes to the concentration, structure, and complexity that are the hallmarks of Gruaud-Larose wines.

The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects the estate’s dedication to capturing the unique qualities of its terroir, where Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and longevity, Merlot adds richness and roundness, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contribute to the wine’s aromatic complexity and depth.

The proximity of the vineyards to the Gironde estuary creates a microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. This unique combination of soil and climate conditions allows Château Gruaud-Larose to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with the ability to age gracefully for decades.

Winemaking at Château Gruaud-Larose

Winemaking at Château Gruaud-Larose is a meticulous process that honours tradition while embracing modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and wooden vats, allowing for precise temperature control and gentle extraction of tannins. This approach ensures that the wines retain their elegance and structure while developing the complexity and depth for which Gruaud-Larose is known.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with around 50% new oak used each year to add depth and structure. This ageing process enhances the wines' ability to evolve over time, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.