Château Gruaud-Larose

Château and vineyard, Gruaud Larose is located in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Gironde. Since February 2012, the building, its tower and hangar have been listed as historic monuments. It is also a popular wine tourism site. In 1855, the wine produced here was classified as Second Grand Cru. It is the result of an ecological vision, ancestral know-how and very rich soils. All these factors play a part in the development of the product that is the pride of the Girondins.

The history of Château Gruaud Larose

Digging into the history of Château Gruaud Larose, we find traces dating back to 1725. At the time, Joseph Stanislas Gruaud appears to have been the owner. He then passed it on to his children, who greatly expanded the winery in 1755. By this time, it was already producing a wine that was highly appreciated in the region.

Three years later, Joseph Stanislas’ granddaughter’s husband, Joseph Sébastien Larose, took over the business. The names of the crus were then changed to the ones we know today. The new buyer played a major role in raising product awareness.

But on his death, the château was sold at auction. It then passed from owner to owner: the Balgueries, the Sarget’s, the Cordiers… Even Alcatel-Alsthom invested in it and extensively renovated and upgraded it. It has been owned by Jacques Merlaut since 1997. Jean Merlaut, his son, is currently at the head of the estate.

The vineyards of Château Gruaud Larose

If there’s one priority for the owners of Domaine Gruaud Larose, it’s the implementation and development of organic farming. This has been the case since 2019. The Merlauts take great care to minimize the use of chemicals that could harm soil or plant quality. They replace them with biodynamic tools and techniques. Herbal teas are now used to combat parasites and other elements harmful to viticulture. Biodiversity is also very rich, thanks to the hedges, niches, beehives and numerous vegetation and fauna on site.

The vines benefit from a micro-climate that favors their expression. They are located on 82 hectares of land consisting ofclay, humus, sand and Garonne gravel . The subsoil is mainly sand, pebbles and blue, red and yellow clay.

Characteristics of Domaine Gruaud Larose wines

The Gruaud Larose estate has a diverse range of grape varieties. It is composed of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The average age of these vines is 40 years.

The château produces two types ofSaint-Julien appellation d’origine contrôlée red wine. They are classified among the Médoc’s Grand Crus.

• Le Gruaud Larose: an explosion of strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavours. Towards the end, you’ll discover light woody notes of mushroom and truffle. This is a velvety, silky cru with exceptional length.
• Sarjet: its dark color and pronounced tannins give it character. In the mouth, your palate will be enveloped by the sustained aroma of red fruits.

Wineries near Château Gruaud Larose

Among the Grands Crus de Saint Julien Alongside Gruaud Larose, the wines of the châteaux Léoville Las Cases, Léoville Poyferré, Léoville Barton, Ducru-Beaucaillou
Branaire Ducru, Beychevelle, Lagrange and Talbot.

Among the best vintages of Château Gruaud Larose, we can mention those of 1961, of 1982 and 1986, 1989 and 1992.