Grand-Puy-Lacoste｜Pauillac

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste

1855 Fifth Growths Grand Cru Classes

Grand-Puy-Lacoste

1855 Fifth Growths Grand Cru Classes

The history of Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fascinating in many ways. It is a family saga going back to the 16th century.

The name Grand-Puy, already mentioned in documents from the Middle Ages, comes from the ancient term "puy” which means "hillock, small height”. True to its name, the vineyard sits on outcrops with a terroir similar to that of the Médoc's first growths. From Since the 16th century the property remained attached to a single family from generation to generation, in a direct line through marriage until 1920, before connecting with another family in 1978—the Borie.

The history of Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fascinating in many ways. It is a family saga going back to the 16th century.

The name Grand-Puy, already mentioned in documents from the Middle Ages, comes from the ancient term "puy” which means "hillock, small height”. True to its name, the vineyard sits on outcrops with a terroir similar to that of the Médoc's first growths. From Since the 16th century the property remained attached to a single family from generation to generation, in a direct line through marriage until 1920, before connecting with another family in 1978—the Borie.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste enjoys an exceptional terroir. The soil is gravel, the alluvial stones which ensure an excellent drainage of rainwater.

The originality of the Médoc's soil comes from two million years of history. Its gravel is the geological product of the quaternary era, when stones brought from the Pyrenees by the Garonne were deposited along the banks of its estuary, the Gironde.

Today layers of varying depth are composed of gravel mixed with sand and a little clay. They form "gravel outcrops”, separated by small streams called "jalles” in the local dialect which drain water to the Gironde. In Pauillac these vast and numerous outcrops are recognized as being particularly well-suited for top quality vine growing.

This gravely soil has the advantage of absorbing heat during the day and releasing it to the grapes at night, eliminating excessive variations in temperature and promoting even ripening in the grapes.

The estate of Grand-Puy-Lacoste comprises 90 hectares - 58 planted with vines - that are entirely located around the Château.

Since its acquisition by the Borie family in 1978, the vineyards at Grand-Puy-Lacoste have been patiently replanted. Today the balance between young and old vines is fully established at an average age of 38 years.

The domain is planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon is the ideal noble grape variety, forming the backbone of Grand-Puy-Lacoste's wines. The two other varieties bring nuance to the assemblage which emphasize this growth's typical character.

For François-Xavier Borie and his team, the best techniques mean nothing if they don't give expression to the terroir.

A vat house equipped with the latest technology is used for a carefully controlled, classic vinification. Forty-three temperature-controlled vats of different capacities allow very precise winemaking that respects the unique character of each parcel of vines.

Vatting lasts around three weeks. First, the grapes ferment for 8 to 10 days. Grand-Puy-Lacoste favors soft extractions at a temperature of 28°C, with daily pumping over to help alcoholic fermentation and enrich the wine's color and tannin with each pass through the layer of grape skins.

Maceration lasts around 10 days more to complete this extraction. During this period the temperature of each vat is carefully checked and adjusted according to its grapes' potential. Then comes malolactic fermentation to stabilize the wine and lower its acidity, making it more supple and round.

After assemblage the wines are put into barrels and transferred to the ageing cellar which is kept at constant levels of temperature and humidity.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste selects barrels made from fine-grained Allier oak for its delicate and subtle tannin. Two-thirds of the barrels are new each year, with one-fill barrels completing the total. The Château limits its purchases to just three trusted cooperages.

Depending on the year, ageing will last from 16 to 18 months, with gravity racking every three or four months. All work is done with the greatest respect for the classic methods which have produced the Médoc's finest wines.

During the entire period of ageing, the mysterious alchemy between wine and wood is at work. Great care is constantly taken to follow the wine's development right up to the time of bottling.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste 拉古斯出品有以下酒款：

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac

Grand-Puy-Lacoste is considered "a great classic", capable of aligning its consistent character with the spirit of each vintage.

Wines are the expression of their terroir, their climate and their grapes, but they also carry the mark of those who made it. So while showing the utmost respect for the gifts of nature, François-Xavier Borie will proudly refer to Grand-Puy-Lacoste's "signature", which is clearly evident in vertical tastings.

Lacoste-Borie Pauillac

In French oak barrels (45% new barrels each vintage) for between 14 to 16 months depending on the vintage.