Chateau LatourProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pauillac, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: First Growth

Château Latour, one of the most iconic and revered wine estates in the world, stands as a beacon of excellence in Bordeaux’s Pauillac appellation. As a Premier Cru Classé, Château Latour has consistently produced some of the most powerful, complex, and age-worthy wines in Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 14th century, Latour’s rich heritage, combined with its exceptional terroir, has made it a cornerstone of fine wine, admired by collectors and connoisseurs globally.

History of Château Latour

The history of Château Latour is as rich and storied as the wines it produces. The estate’s origins can be traced back to 1331 when a fortified tower, La Tour de Saint-Lambert, was constructed to protect the region from English invasions during the Hundred Years' War. This tower, which gave the estate its name, became the symbol of Château Latour and is still depicted on its wine labels today.

The estate began cultivating vines in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, Château Latour had established itself as one of the top wine producers in Bordeaux. Its wines were highly sought after by the European aristocracy, including the English market, where it was known as "claret." Latour’s reputation continued to grow, and in 1855, it was classified as a Premier Cru Classé, solidifying its status as one of the greatest wine estates in Bordeaux.

Throughout the 20th century, Château Latour changed ownership several times, each bringing new investments and improvements to the estate. In 1993, the estate was acquired by François Pinault, a French businessman, and under his ownership, Château Latour has continued to innovate while maintaining its commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. Today, Latour is renowned for its meticulous vineyard management, sustainable practices, and its unwavering dedication to excellence.

The Terroir of Château Latour

The terroir of Château Latour is one of the key elements that contribute to the power and complexity of its wines. The estate’s 78 hectares of vineyards are located on the "Enclos," a unique area of deep gravel soils over clay subsoil, which is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The gravel soils provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to root deeply and access essential nutrients, while the clay retains moisture, ensuring that the vines remain healthy even during dry periods.

Château Latour’s vineyard is planted with 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The blend reflects the estate’s focus on producing wines that are both structured and elegant, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing the backbone and longevity, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and the other varieties contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

The estate’s proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a unique microclimate that moderates temperatures and protects the vines from frost. This microclimate, combined with the exceptional soils, allows Château Latour to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully for decades.

Winemaking at Château Latour

Winemaking at Château Latour is a meticulous process that combines tradition with modern innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 80% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and structure, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both powerful and elegant, capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.

Château Latour is known for producing wines that are both approachable in their youth and capable of ageing for decades. The estate’s focus on low yields, precise vinification, and long ageing has resulted in wines that are dense, complex, and full of character.