Larmande, Chateau
Summary
Château Larmande is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate spanning 20 hectares across the appellation's limestone plateau and slopes, producing Merlot-dominant wines complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from its diverse clay-limestone terroir. Under the Cuvelier family's ownership since 2017, the property maintains its historic classification through meticulous plot-by-plot harvesting and careful oak maturation, applying technical expertise developed at neighboring Clos Fourtet while preserving traditional Bordeaux methods.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Larmande stands as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé property with deep roots in the Bordeaux region. The estate has maintained its Grand Cru Classé status since the inaugural Saint-Émilion classification of 1955 (officially established in 1954), marking its consistent quality over decades. In 2017, ownership transferred to the Cuvelier family, who added Larmande to their portfolio that includes the neighboring Clos Fourtet. Prior to this acquisition, the château was under the stewardship of the Malet Roquefort family, who guided the property through several decades of its development. The transition to Cuvelier ownership represents a significant chapter in the estate's history, bringing new investment and focus to this historic Saint-Émilion property.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Larmande encompasses approximately 20 hectares of vineyards strategically positioned across the limestone plateau and slopes of Saint-Émilion. The vineyard composition reflects the classic Right Bank formula, with Merlot dominating at approximately 80% of plantings, complemented by Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal mix thrives in the estate's distinctive terroir, characterized by limestone and clay soils typical of Saint-Émilion's best sites. The vineyard's position on both the plateau and slopes provides varied exposures and soil depths, contributing complexity to the final wines. From these vineyards, the château produces its Grand Vin, Château Larmande, and in certain vintages, a second wine that allows for stricter selection for the primary offering.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Larmande adheres to traditional Bordeaux methods while incorporating modern precision. Harvest is conducted plot by plot, with grapes sorted before fermentation in temperature-controlled vats that allow for careful extraction and preservation of fruit character. Following fermentation, the wines mature in French oak barrels, a practice that provides gradual oxidation and complexity to the finished product. Under the Cuvelier family's direction, the estate has maintained continuity with established practices while potentially benefiting from the technical expertise developed at their flagship property, Clos Fourtet. This balanced approach to tradition and technology reflects the broader Saint-Émilion philosophy of respecting terroir while pursuing the highest expression of the vineyard's potential.