Château Grand-Puy Ducasse

There has always been a large number of castles in France. The reasons for buying a château and the length of time the property stays in the same hands vary greatly depending on the owner. While some see it as their home or second home, others see it as a source of income. When it comes to châteaux, high turnover has been the way since the beginning of time. Few estates have stayed within the same family for centuries. One of the exceptions is Château Grand-Puy. This estate was bought in the 18th century by Arnaud Ducasse from Jacques de Ségur, Lord of Lafite. It has since become a family estate and has been that way for almost three centuries. The winery’s name comes from Grand Puy, which is the name of the low gravel hill that was previously owned by Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, and then the Ducasse family name. And there is something magical about chateaux that are kept in the same hands for a long time, they maintain the original air of the 18th or 19th centuries. If we add to this the fact that their vineyards were classified as Fifth Grand Cru Classé in 1855, we find ourselves in front of a heritage treasure that is faithful to its origins.

With 40 hectares of vineyard divided into three main plots composed of the sandy gravel of the Garonne within the exclusive AOC Pauillac,, they make true masterpieces like their wine of the same name: Château Grand-Puy Ducasse. Made by the talented Anne Le Naour, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in a respectful manner, with an average yield of 45 hl/ha and harvested separately in small boxes after an initial selection in the vineyard. Once in the winery, the best grapes are re-sorted using a modern and reliable optical sorting system. Fermentation then begins in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, and finally the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 35% of which are new.

As a result, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse presents itself as a legendary fine wine that, thanks to gravelly soils, an impeccable vintage and tailor-made vinification, is deliciously complex, delicately glorious. A faithful reflection of the Pauillac style.