Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de LalandeProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pauillac, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply referred to as "Pichon Comtesse," is one of the most renowned Second Growth estates in Bordeaux’s Pauillac appellation. Known for producing wines that elegantly balance power and finesse, Pichon Comtesse has long been admired for its ability to deliver a distinct style that stands out even among the elite châteaux of Pauillac. With a rich history and a unique terroir, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande continues to captivate wine lovers and critics alike.

History of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

The history of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande dates back to 1689 when it was established by Pierre de Rauzan, a prominent wine merchant who also founded Château Rauzan-Ségla and Château Rauzan-Gassies. The estate was originally part of the larger Château Pichon Longueville, which was later divided into two separate properties: Château Pichon Longueville Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The division occurred in 1850, with the Comtesse de Lalande side being inherited by Virginie de Pichon Longueville, who married the Count of Lalande, giving the estate its name.

Under the stewardship of Virginie, the estate quickly gained a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality. This reputation was further solidified in 1855 when Pichon Comtesse was classified as a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Classification. The estate remained in the hands of the Pichon family until the 20th century when it was acquired by the Miailhe family. In 2007, the estate was purchased by the Rouzaud family, owners of the prestigious Champagne house Louis Roederer. Under their ownership, Pichon Comtesse has continued to thrive, combining modern winemaking techniques with a deep respect for tradition.

The Terroir of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

The terroir of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one of the estate’s greatest assets, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 89 hectares of vineyards are located on a gentle slope overlooking the Gironde estuary, just south of Château Latour. This proximity to the river provides a natural microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season.

The soils at Pichon Comtesse are predominantly gravel, with layers of sand and clay, which provide excellent drainage and allow the vines to root deeply. This gravelly terroir is ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for around 61% of the vineyard plantings. The vineyard also includes 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. This blend of grape varieties allows Pichon Comtesse to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and longevity, Merlot adding richness and suppleness, and the other varieties contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

The vineyard management at Pichon Comtesse is meticulous, with a focus on sustainability and precision viticulture. The estate practices organic farming, and great care is taken to ensure that each parcel is harvested at optimal ripeness. This commitment to quality in the vineyard is reflected in the wines, which are known for their refinement and ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Winemaking at Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a process that combines tradition with modern innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and oak 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 50% to 60% 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.