The history of Château Larcis Ducasse
THE EXCELLENCE OF THE SAINT-ÉMILION APPELLATION AT THE SERVICE OF AN ANCIENT ESTATE
The fame ofChâteau Larcis DucasseThis is no longer in doubt. As early as the 16th century, its wines were highly sought after, and people were willing to pay very high prices to acquire them. In 1867, at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, the château was even awarded its first gold medal for the quality of the wines produced on this exceptional terroir. Subsequently,Henry RabaThe son of a prominent Bordeaux family established in the region for over a century, he bought the château in 1893. A great wine enthusiast, he invested the majority of his fortune in it, both to maintain the vineyard and to keep it at the forefront of technology. Since then, theChâteau Larcis DucasseIt never left the family again, who continued to invest in it, entrusting its management to professionals. Thus, since 2002,Nicolas ThienpontHe manages it with an expert hand. Indeed, he is committed to exploiting the terroir in the best possible way in order to produce great wines, both powerful and elegant, mineral, pure, and flavorful. Barely ten years after taking over the vineyard, theChâteau Larcis Ducasseis also promotedPremier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Emilion wines in 2012.
Unique expertise
NICOLAS THIENPONT'S EXPERTISE AT THE SERVICE OF AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR
Within the Hill of a Thousand Castles, theChâteau Larcis DucassesIt covers 11 hectares in a single block and is composed of different geological plots. Indeed, one can distinguish the Saint-Emilion Plateau and the Grande Côte de Saint-Emilion, known asPavia CoastIts main characteristic is its very steep incline (25%), and therefore its terraced layout. Finally, there is also theFoot of the Côte Saint-EmilionThe slope is gentler, composed of molasse, then fluvial sand, and finally covered with sandy-clay soil. The climate, both sunny and cool, alternates between hot summer days and cooler nights thanks to the proximity of the Dordogne River. Thus, with the extremes of the climate tempered, the vines are not susceptible to either heat waves or frost.The fruit therefore ripens optimally, retaining all its freshness.At the heart of this multitude of exceptional terroirs,Nicolas ThienpontHe manages the vineyard with an iron fist in a velvet glove. The harvest, for example, is carried out gradually, taking twice as long as necessary. This ensures that each plot is picked at perfect ripeness. The aging process lasts over 18 months, and the blend is only finalized after three tastings to achieve bouquets that combine complexity and precision.
Wines of indisputable renown
Organic farming and biodynamics serving exceptional grape varieties
Classified as Grand Cru,the wines ofChâteau Larcis Ducassehave established themselves among the greatest. The fact of cultivating 90% inorganic farmingand inbiodynamicsThis success is no stranger to the vineyard. Indeed, by taking great care of the vines and exposing them as little as possible to any chemical products, the quality of the fruit inevitably benefits. This is how exceptional grape varieties are born, 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc.merlotIt fully benefits from the clay-limestone soil, allowing it to express its roundness and generosity to the fullest. A very luscious grape variety, it is powerful and silky from a young age, very fruity, with spicy and floral notes. As it ages, the fruity aspect (blackberry and cherry) fades, giving way to a more complex, spicy character.cabernet francAs for the grape variety, it thrives in its preferred soil: clay-sand with varying degrees of limestone. This produces highly aromatic, elegant wines, both refined and structured. In their youth, they are strongly marked by aromas of red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrant) as well as notes of tobacco and violet. Whether blended with Merlot or Cabernet Franc, their aging potential is excellent. Indeed, they possess freshness, finesse, elegance, and aromatic complexity, making them excellent Grand Cru wines to be enjoyed as cellared wines. Finally, the range has been expanding since 2010.“Murmur of Larcis Ducasse”, to be drunk immediately, which has nothing to envy from the classified vintages.
