The merlot contributes body, vibrancy, and a wealth of flavour. The aroma and structure of the cabernet franc extend the tasting experience towards an endless freshness. Together, they form a winning combination that renders Les Tours de Laroque an irresistible red wine.
It is true that traditionally merlot and cabernet franc form the typical blend of the A.O.C. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru; however, few blends like this can be found among the myriad of wines produced in France. The reason is simple: not every domaine can boast the terroir of Château Laroque. This estate, the largest in the appellation, is surrounded by 61 hectares of vineyards that flourish on an immense limestone plateau, with a unique blend of clays (white, blonde, chestnut, and reddish), found only in places like Clos Fourtet and Château Canon. This composition, where the renowned "Agen molasses" and "Fronsac molasses" appear, allows the vineyard to remain cool, delaying the ripening of the grapes. Depending on the area, and each in its own time, Les Tours de Laroque is harvested at different times. The merlot, planted in the plots surrounding the mill, typically ripens two weeks earlier. This presents a significant challenge, as each year, at the crucial moment, the oenologists and teams face several decisive decisions, where the tasting of the berries (plot by plot) will be the criterion that dictates the outcome. According to the estate itself, “Diversity adds more flavour than uniformity!”
Les Tours de Laroque arrives at the winery and is gravity-fed into vats, keeping the berries whole, with each variety fermenting separately in small tanks. Specifically, in the case of Les Tours de Laroque, the nuances of each variety emerge after two winters; precisely for this reason, the ageing process of Les Tours de Laroque is crucial, spending more than a year in oak barrels and on fine lees. Once this period has passed, with its character fully established and defined, Les Tours de Laroque is blended and bottled.
The merlot and cabernet franc are present in all the wineries of A.O.C. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru; however, in very few do they reach the level of Les Tours de Laroque. Don't miss it!