Larcis Ducasse, Chateau
Summary
Château Larcis Ducasse is an 11-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in Saint-Émilion producing Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blends from south-facing vineyards on the Côte Pavie's limestone and clay-limestone soils. Under Nicolas Thienpont's management since 2002, the estate combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with plot-by-plot vinification and careful oak aging to create wines that balance power with elegance while faithfully expressing their distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Larcis Ducasse stands as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in the Saint-Émilion classification of Bordeaux. The property came under the ownership of Chantal and Jacques-Olivier Gratiot in 1990, marking a significant transition in the château's modern history. A pivotal moment for the estate occurred in 2002 when Nicolas Thienpont was appointed as estate manager, bringing new direction to Larcis Ducasse. This leadership change was further strengthened when David Suire joined as technical director, with the renowned Michel Rolland serving as consultant. This management team has guided the property through a period of substantial qualitative advancement, implementing methodical changes to both vineyard management and winemaking protocols that have elevated the estate's standing within Saint-Émilion.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau Larcis Ducasse encompasses approximately 11 hectares (27 acres) of vineyards strategically positioned on the Côte Pavie, a south-facing slope in Saint-Émilion that provides optimal sun exposure. The vineyard's terroir features a limestone plateau at its highest point, transitioning to clay-limestone soils on the slopes—a composition particularly favorable for the estate's primary grape varieties. The plantings consist of approximately 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, with vines averaging 35 years of age. This Right Bank property benefits from its specific microclimate and geological positioning, allowing for consistent ripening of its fruit. The grand vin of Chateau Larcis Ducasse expresses the distinctive characteristics of its terroir, while the estate also produces a second wine from younger vines and parcels that don't meet the stringent selection criteria for the primary offering.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Chateau Larcis Ducasse has undergone significant modernization since the early 2000s, coinciding with the arrival of the Thienpont management team. The estate adheres to a meticulous harvest protocol, with grapes hand-picked and sorted to ensure only optimal fruit enters production. Vinification proceeds on a plot-by-plot basis in temperature-controlled vessels, allowing for precise management of each parcel's unique characteristics. The estate employs extended maceration periods to extract depth and structure from the fruit. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with approximately 70-80% new oak, for a period typically ranging from 16-18 months. Throughout the production process, the focus remains on expressing the vineyard's distinctive terroir while maintaining balance and aging potential in the finished wines. This methodical approach to viticulture and winemaking reflects the estate's commitment to quality and authentic representation of its Saint-Émilion heritage.