Larose Perganson, Chateau
Summary
Château Larose Perganson is a Cru Bourgeois estate in Haut-Médoc spanning 35 hectares near Saint-Laurent-Médoc, producing structured Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blends from deep gravel soils atop clay subsoils with 30-year-old vines. The estate combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with Level 3 High Environmental Value sustainable practices, offering exceptional quality-to-price value that remains somewhat under the radar compared to more famous Médoc properties.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Larose Perganson stands as a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. The property was established in the 19th century and takes its name from the original owner, Perganson, who combined it with the "Larose" designation from neighboring vineyards. Since 1986, the château has been part of the Vignobles de Larose group, currently under the ownership of the French insurance group Allianz.
The estate operates under the same management team as its sister property, Château Larose-Trintaudon, with Franck Bijon serving as Managing Director. The technical direction falls under Brice Amouroux, who oversees the viticultural and winemaking operations across the Vignobles de Larose properties. Under this leadership, Larose Perganson has maintained its position as one of the more consistent performers within the Cru Bourgeois classification, receiving recognition in the 2020 revised classification system.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Larose Perganson encompasses 35 hectares of vineyards situated in the northern Haut-Médoc, near the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc. The vineyard composition reflects classic Médoc planting, with approximately 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. This balance allows the estate to produce wines with structure while maintaining approachability in their youth.
The vineyards benefit from the property's distinctive terroir, featuring deep gravel soils atop clay subsoils—a composition that provides good drainage while maintaining water reserves during dry periods. The vineyard parcels sit on gentle slopes that facilitate natural drainage and optimal sun exposure. The average vine age stands at 30 years, with some older parcels contributing depth and concentration to the final blends.
The estate produces approximately 120,000 bottles annually of its primary wine, Château Larose Perganson, which typically displays the structured character of Haut-Médoc with prominent dark fruit notes and well-integrated tannins. A second wine, Les Hauts de Perganson, is also produced from younger vines and parcels that don't meet the standards for the grand vin.
Philosophy & Practice
The viticultural approach at Château Larose Perganson emphasizes sustainable farming practices. The estate holds High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 certification, the highest level in this French environmental certification system. This commitment extends to precise plot-by-plot management, with vineyard work tailored to the specific needs of each parcel.
In the cellar, the winemaking team employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with each vineyard parcel vinified separately to preserve its distinct characteristics. Malolactic fermentation occurs in tanks before the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging. The maturation program typically involves 12-18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak used each vintage.
The estate practices a rigorous selection process during harvest and again during blending, ensuring only the finest components make it into the final wine. This methodical approach to both viticulture and vinification reflects the property's commitment to expressing the specific character of its Haut-Médoc terroir while maintaining consistency across vintages. The technical team conducts regular tastings throughout the aging process to monitor development and determine the optimal blending proportions and bottling timing.