Chateau LaroqueProducer from Bordeaux, France

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux.

Château Laroque, one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion, stands as a testament to the rich history and unique terroir of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. With a heritage that dates back nearly a thousand years, Laroque has consistently produced wines that reflect the elegance, complexity, and power of its exceptional terroir. The estate, with its commanding position overlooking the Dordogne River, is not only a historical landmark but also a beacon of quality in Saint-Émilion, known for its age-worthy wines that rival the best of the appellation.

History of Château Laroque

The history of Château Laroque can be traced back to the 12th century when it was founded as a fortified castle. The estate, initially used for defense, soon became renowned for its vineyards, which were planted on the surrounding slopes. The château, with its medieval architecture and grandiose presence, has been carefully preserved, embodying the rich history of the region.

In the 18th century, Château Laroque began to establish itself as a premier wine producer, with its wines gaining recognition for their quality and longevity. The estate was expanded and modernized in the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, it had solidified its reputation as one of the top producers in Saint-Émilion. The estate remained in the same family for generations, ensuring that traditional winemaking practices were maintained.

In 1935, Château Laroque was acquired by the Beaumartin family, who have since invested heavily in the estate, focusing on improving the quality of the wines while preserving the château's historical legacy. Today, the estate is managed by David Suire, a talented winemaker who has brought a renewed focus on terroir expression and precision in winemaking. Under his leadership, Château Laroque has seen a resurgence in quality, with its wines gaining acclaim from critics and collectors alike.

The Terroir of Château Laroque

The terroir of Château Laroque is one of its most defining characteristics, contributing significantly to the quality and style of its wines. The estate’s 61 hectares of vineyards are situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, which is renowned for producing some of the appellation's most elegant and complex wines. The limestone soils, rich in fossils and minerals, provide excellent drainage and contribute to the freshness and minerality that are hallmarks of Laroque’s wines.

The vineyard is planted with 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the essence of its terroir, where Merlot thrives in the clay-limestone soils, providing richness and depth, while Cabernet Franc adds structure, aromatic complexity, and finesse. The small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to the wine’s backbone and ageing potential.

The estate benefits from its elevated position on the plateau, which offers excellent sun exposure and protection from frost. The combination of these factors allows Château Laroque to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Laroque

Winemaking at Château Laroque 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 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and concrete tanks, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process and ensuring that the wines develop their full range of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, with around 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, 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.