Château Lagrugère
Thanks to its unique terroir and rigorous viticultural practices, Château Lagrugère represents the perfect alliance between Bordeaux tradition and modernity. It embodies the family expertise passed down for more than half a century.
History
The story of Château Lagrugère began in 1963, when Jean Lopez Camàra and his wife, Jeanne Arlette, set out to develop these lands located in Saint-Martin-du-Puy. Convinced of the terroir’s exceptional potential, they devoted their passion to growing the estate while passing on their know-how to their children.
In the 1980s, their sons, Gérard and Jean-Claude, carried on this family venture by modernizing the estate. Since 2010, the third generation—embodied by Géraldine Lopez—has been managing the estate with the ambition of marrying tradition and innovation. Supported by her parents, Gérard and Martine, she notably guided the property toward organic certification in 2016.
Since 2020, Géraldine has shared this mission with her husband, Olivier Lefebvre. Together, they uphold the family heritage while writing a new chapter in the estate’s history.
The Vineyard
Located on the hillsides of the Entre-deux-Mers region, the Château Lagrugère vineyard spans 40 hectares. Of these, 2 hectares are dedicated to AOC Bordeaux Blanc, while 38 hectares produce wines under the AOC Bordeaux Rouge and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations.
The clay-limestone soil provides ideal conditions for producing wines that are both refined and structured. With a planting density of 3,300 vines per hectare, the vines—on average 25 years old—benefit from deep rooting, which contributes to the aromatic richness and complexity of the wines. Certified organic since 2016, the vineyard employs environmentally friendly practices, enhancing the terroir’s natural balance. Each year, the estate produces about 250,000 bottles.
Winemaking & Aging
Viticultural practices and winemaking reflect a constant focus on quality and respect for tradition. The vatting period, adapted to each vintage’s specific characteristics, allows for optimal extraction of aromas and tannins, thanks to precise management of pump-overs and rack-and-return.
Harvesting is done mechanically, enabling a rapid collection while preserving the integrity of the grapes. Rigorous parcel selection and meticulous sorting on a table ensure optimal berry quality.
The winemaking process begins with destemming and crushing at vatting, followed by a cold pre-fermentation maceration to preserve fruity aromas. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at a low temperature, accompanied by scheduled rack-and-return and pump-over techniques, promoting optimal extraction of tannins and aromas.
The use of concrete vats for aging is a carefully considered choice. Thanks to their thermal inertia and their ability to maintain a stable temperature, these vats help preserve the wine’s freshness and aromatic purity, while providing natural micro-oxygenation that fosters a harmonious integration of tannins.
Wine Character
This wine opens with an expressive bouquet, generously combining red and black fruits such as cherry and blackcurrant, accented by a discreet spicy note. On the palate, it reveals a subtle balance, carried by a round texture and delicately silky tannins, all enhanced by very pleasant freshness. The long, persistent finish prolongs the experience with fruity nuances and a slight toasted note, lending the whole a remarkable harmony and elegance.
