Laroque, Chateau
Summary
Château Laroque is a historic Grand Cru Classé estate spanning 27-30 hectares on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, producing Merlot-dominant wines (85-90%) complemented by Cabernet Franc from clay-limestone soils. Under the Beaumartin family's ownership since the 1930s and with technical director David Suire's guidance, the estate has elevated its winemaking through parcel-by-parcel vinification and precise temperature-controlled fermentation while maintaining deep respect for its distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Laroque stands as one of the historic estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France. The property's roots extend deep into the past, with historical records indicating the presence of a fortress on the site dating back to at least the 12th century. While the estate has a long-standing presence in the region, its dedicated viticultural history began to take its current form during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Beaumartin family has guided Château Laroque's development since acquiring the estate in the 1930s. Under their stewardship, the property has maintained its position as a Grand Cru Classé estate in the Saint-Émilion classification system, maintaining this status through various classification revisions. In recent years, technical director David Suire has contributed to the estate's continued development, bringing technical expertise to both vineyard management and winemaking operations.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Laroque's vineyards occupy approximately 27-30 hectares on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, a terroir that defines much of the appellation's distinctive character. The estate benefits from limestone-rich soils that form the foundation of its viticultural approach, with some areas featuring clay-limestone compositions that add complexity to the growing environment.
The vineyard plantings reflect the traditional preferences of Saint-Émilion, with Merlot serving as the predominant variety across the estate. Cabernet Franc holds the position of second most important grape in the vineyards, completing the classic Saint-Émilion varietal profile. This composition translates directly to the estate's wines, with the grand vin typically featuring a blend of 85-90% Merlot complemented by 10-15% Cabernet Franc. The estate produces its flagship wine, Château Laroque, and may also offer a second wine in their portfolio.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Laroque combines respect for Saint-Émilion traditions with contemporary precision. Vinification likely takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for careful management of the fermentation process. Following vinification, the wines are believed to mature in French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak likely contributing to their structural development and aromatic complexity.
In recent years, the estate has implemented more precise parcel-by-parcel vinification methods, reflecting a commitment to expressing the specific characteristics of different vineyard sections. This approach acknowledges the variations in soil composition and exposure across the limestone plateau where the vineyards are situated. As a Grand Cru Classé property, Château Laroque maintains production standards consistent with this classification, focusing on quality-driven practices throughout the winemaking process.