Château Gruaud Larose 2021

The freshness and richness of a Second Cru Classé of Saint-Julien

The estate

A historical reference of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Gruaud Larose was founded in 1757, when different estates merged. The property received its current name when the heir of Joseph Gruaud added "Larose" to his name, thus becoming Château Gruaud Larose. Acquired by the Merlaut family in 1997, Château Gruaud Larose embodies the excellence of the fine Saint-Julien red wines and seduces lovers of the appellation with its signature style.

The vineyard

Château Gruaud Larose 2021 is a Saint-Julien wine that stems from an 82-hectare vineyard. The vines are 46 years old on average and are planted on Garonne gravel soils, which were deposited over 600,000 years ago. Converting to organic farming since the 2019 vintage, the vineyard of Château Gruaud Larose is managed according to the principles of organic and biodynamic viticulture.

The vintage

Although the mild, wet winter favoured an early, even budburst, frosts in April affected some Merlot plots. The lack of sunshine and the dampness of spring slowed down the development of the vine. The milder conditions at the beginning of June ensured that a good-quality flowering period, with the exception of some run-off on certain Merlot vines. The weather was unstable and variable from the time the grapes set (mid-June) until the end of the veraison at the beginning of August. The very good conditions recorded from mid-August until the harvest were ideal and helped to accelarate the ripening process. The grapes harvested from September 23rd to October 7th revealed a pleasant freshness and tension that resonate with great historic vintages.

Vinification and ageing

Plot-based vinification in thermo-regulated, wooden vats. Alcoholic fermentation at 24-26°C. Maceration for 20 to 30 days. 3 vertical presses. Placed into barrels at pressing. Malolactic fermentation carried out alongside alcoholic fermentation thanks to co-inoculation. Ageing lasts for 18 months in French oak barrels, 95% of which is new wood.

The blend

Château Gruaud Larose 2021 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), Merlot (12%) and Cabernet Franc (4%).