The Elegance of Margaux: A Journey Through Château Lascombes
Margaux is one of the most prestigious appellations in the Bordeaux wine region, famous for producing some of the world's finest wines. Among the many wineries in the area, Château Lascombes stands out for its remarkable history, exceptional terroir, and high-quality wines. During our recent visit to Château Lascombes, our guide, Charlotte, welcomed us with open arms. She shared with us the fascinating history of the winery and showed us around the beautiful estate. We were struck by the warm hospitality of the staff and the pride they took in their work. Charlotte explained that every step of the winemaking process is done with great care and attention to detail, and we could see that the staff were passionate about their craft.
Since its inception in the 17th century, Château Lascombes has been a symbol of excellence, known for its signature blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot grapes. As we toured the vineyards, we learned about the unique terroir of the Margaux appellation and how it contributes to the distinctive flavors and aromas of Château Lascombes’ wines. We also had the opportunity to taste several of their wines, including the Grand Vin and the Second Vin, which were both outstanding.
Step Back in Time: Witnessing Centuries of Excellence
Source: Dennis Arvizu
The Early Years Château Lascombes: Château Lascombes has a long history dating back to the 17th century, known as "La Mothe Lascombes." The estate was initially owned by Antoine de Lascombes, a nobleman from the Bordeaux region. Over the years, the estate passed on to different owners, and it was during the 18th century that it started gaining recognition for its high-quality wines.
Ownership and Management of Château Lascombes over the Years: In the 19th century, Château Lascombes changed hands several times and underwent significant renovations to improve its vineyards and winemaking facilities. The estate was purchased by the French wine merchant Léonce Récapet in 1911, who further expanded the vineyards and modernized the winery.
After Récapet's death, Château Lascombes was sold to a consortium of merchants and bankers. In 1952, the estate was acquired by Alexis Lichine, an American wine writer and entrepreneur, who transformed the winery into a modern facility and introduced new techniques to improve the quality of the wines.
Château Lascombes in the 21st Century: In 2001, Château Lascombes was purchased by the French insurance company MACSF, who invested heavily in the winery and brought in new technology to improve the winemaking process. Today, the estate is managed by Dominique Befve, who has continued producing high-quality wines.
The Terroir of Margaux
Location and Soil Composition: Château Lascombes is located in the heart of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The estate spans over 118 hectares, of which 47 are dedicated to vineyards. The soil is composed of gravel, sand, and clay, with a high concentration of limestone, which provides excellent drainage and mineral nutrients to the vines.
Source: Dennis Arvizu
Climate and Weather: The Margaux region has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The proximity to the Gironde estuary helps regulate the temperature, and the cool Atlantic breeze prevents excessive heat in the summer. The climate is ideal for the ripening of grapes and the developing complex aromas and flavors in the wines.
Grape Varieties: Château Lascombes is known for its signature blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot grapes. Merlot is the dominant grape, accounting for 50-60% of the blend, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot provide structure, tannins, and complexity to the wines.
Source: Dennis Arvizu
The Art of Winemaking at Château Lascombes
Harvesting and Sorting of Grapes: The grapes at Château Lascombes are harvested with meticulous care to ensure that only the best grapes are selected. The grapes are sorted twice, first by hand and then by machine, to remove any undesirable grapes.
Fermentation and Maceration: The grapes are then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for 15-30 days, depending on the vintage. The juice is pumped over the cap during fermentation to extract the color, tannins, and flavors from the grape skins. The winemakers use a combination of indigenous and selected yeasts to enhance the complexity and character of the wines.
Aging and Blending of Wines: After fermentation, the wines are aged in oak barrels for 18-24 months, depending on the vintage. Château Lascombes uses a combination of new and old oak barrels to impart different flavors and aromas to the wines. The winemaker then blends the wines, who creates a blend that highlights the best characteristics of each grape variety.
Source: Dennis Arvizu
The final wine is bottled and aged for an additional 6-12 months before being released to the market. Château Lascombes produces two wines, the Grand Vin and the Second Vin, which are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Source: Dennis Arvizu
Château Lascombes is a historic winery producing high-quality wines for centuries. Its location in the Margaux appellation, combined with its unique terroir and winemaking techniques, has made it one of the top wine producers in Bordeaux. Our visit to Château Lascombes was an unforgettable experience, not just because of the exceptional wines we tasted but also because of the warm welcome we received from the staff. It was clear to us that Château Lascombes is not just a winery but a family that takes great pride in their craft and the wines they produce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Château Lascombes:
Q: Is Château Lascombes open to visitors?
A: Yes, Château Lascombes offers tours and tastings by appointment only: Visitors can learn about the history of the estate and the winemaking process and taste the wines produced on site.
Q: How does Château Lascombes compare to other Margaux wines?
A: Château Lascombes is known for its rich and full-bodied wines, with complex aromas and flavors that age well over time. It is often compared to other top Margaux wines, such as Château Margaux and Château Palmer.
Q: What is the price range for Château Lascombes wines?
A: The price of Château Lascombes wines varies depending on the wine's vintage and quality. The Grand Vin can range from $100 to over $500 per bottle, while the Second Vin is typically priced lower.