Chateau Grand-Puy Lacoste

The name Grand-Puy comes from the ancient term "puy" which means "hillock, small height". True to its name, the vineyard sits on outcrops with a terroir similar to that of the Médoc's first growths. Since the 16th century the property remained in the same family over generations, before connecting with another family (Borie) in 1978.Grand-Puy-Lacoste is situated in the terroir of Pauillac, one of the Médoc's six communal appellations along the Gironde estuary's left bank. The Pauillac appellation is limited to the communal district covering 2,274 hectares. It boasts 18 properties classified in 1855 (around 85% of the appellation's total production). The commune is separated from Saint-Estéphe to the north by the marshy area of Breuil, and from Saint-Julien to the south by the hollow formed by the Juillac stream.For François-Xavier Borie and his team, the aim is to combine their individual terroir with the best, most cutting edge techniques in winemaking. The winery is equipped with the latest technology in order to carry out carefully controlled, classic vinification. Forty-three temperature-controlled vats of different capacities allow very precise winemaking that respects the unique character of each parcel of vines.Vatting lasts around three weeks. First, the grapes ferment for 8 to 10 days. Grand-Puy-Lacoste favors soft extractions at a temperature of 28°C, with daily pumping over to help alcoholic fermentation and enrich the wine's colour and tannin with each pass through the layer of grape skins.Maceration lasts around 10 days more to complete the extraction. During this period the temperature of each vat is carefully checked and adjusted according to the grapes' potential. Finally the wines undergo malolactic fermentation to stabilise the wine and lower its acidity, making them more supple and round.