Lagrezette
Summary
Château Lagrézette, a historic 12th-century estate with 90 hectares of vineyards across the Lot River valley in Cahors, produces primarily Malbec-based wines from its diverse terroirs of gravelly clay, clay-limestone, and pure limestone plateaus. Under Alain-Dominique Perrin's ownership since 1980, the estate combines traditional methods with modern techniques guided by consultant Michel Rolland, elevating both Lagrézette and the global reputation of Cahors Malbec through its tiered portfolio ranging from classic expressions to the prestigious single-vineyard Le Pigeonnier.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Lagrézette stands as one of the oldest wine estates in the Cahors region, with its foundations dating back to the 12th century. The château itself was constructed between 1503 and 1506, commissioned by the noble Adhémar de Massaut family. This Renaissance masterpiece underwent a complete restoration in the late 20th century when Alain-Dominique Perrin, former CEO of Cartier, purchased the property in 1980. Perrin, who maintains ownership today, invested significantly in both the architectural preservation of the château and the revitalization of its vineyards.
Under Perrin's direction, Lagrézette has experienced a renaissance of its own. He brought on renowned consultant Michel Rolland in the early 1990s to help elevate the estate's winemaking practices. The property's historical significance is evidenced by its classification as a Monument Historique in 1982, preserving its architectural heritage while allowing for modern winemaking facilities to be integrated sensitively into the estate.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Lagrézette's vineyards span 90 hectares across the Cahors appellation in southwestern France. The estate's primary vineyards surround the château on the alluvial terraces of the Lot River valley, with additional parcels situated on the region's characteristic limestone plateaus known locally as "causses." These diverse terroirs feature three distinct soil types: the first terrace with gravel and clay, the second terrace with more clay and limestone, and the plateau with pure limestone soils.
Malbec (locally called Côt) dominates the plantings at 85%, with the remainder dedicated to Merlot and Tannat. The estate's flagship wine, "Le Pigeonnier," comes from a specific 1.5-hectare plot of low-yielding Malbec vines. Lagrézette produces several tiers of wines, including the estate's standard Cahors, the single-vineyard "Cuvée Dame Honneur," and "Le Pigeonnier." The vineyards benefit from the region's continental climate with Mediterranean influences, allowing for proper ripening of Malbec while maintaining freshness in the wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Lagrézette employs a meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, balancing traditional methods with modern technology. Harvest is conducted by hand for the premium cuvées, with careful sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. The estate utilizes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with extended maceration periods ranging from 3-5 weeks depending on the wine and vintage.
The aging program varies by wine: the estate Cahors spends 12-18 months in oak barrels (30% new), while "Cuvée Dame Honneur" sees 18-24 months in 50% new French oak. The top wine, "Le Pigeonnier," ages for 24-30 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The estate practices sustainable viticulture with reduced chemical interventions and has implemented water conservation measures throughout the property.
Perrin's vision for Lagrézette has been to showcase the potential of Cahors Malbec on the world stage, demonstrating that the region can produce wines of structure and elegance that reflect their specific terroir while meeting international quality standards. This philosophy has guided the estate's technical decisions, from vineyard management to bottling protocols, resulting in wines that balance power with refinement.