Tronquoy-Lalande, Chateau
Summary
Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande is a 30-hectare Saint-Estèphe estate producing Bordeaux blends from deep gravel soils with clay subsoil, distinguished by its unusually high Merlot plantings (52%) that create a distinctive expression of the appellation. Following acquisition by the Bouygues family in 2006, the property has undergone comprehensive revitalization under Hervé Berland's leadership, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to elevate quality and recognition while maintaining authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande was established in 1745 in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, making it one of the older estates in the region. For much of its history, the chateau maintained a relatively quiet presence in Bordeaux until a significant turning point in 2006, when Martin and Olivier Bouygues, the owners of neighboring Chateau Montrose, purchased the property. This acquisition marked the beginning of a comprehensive revitalization program for the estate.
Under the Bouygues ownership, Hervé Berland was appointed as director, bringing with him extensive experience from his previous role as managing director at Chateau Mouton Rothschild, where he worked for over three decades. The chateau operates as a Cru Bourgeois classified estate, maintaining its historical standing within the Bordeaux classification system while benefiting from the resources and expertise of its current ownership.
Vineyards & Wines
Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande encompasses 30 hectares (74 acres) of vineyards situated on a gravel plateau in Saint-Estèphe. The vineyard's soil composition features deep gravel with a clay subsoil, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity that defines the character of the estate's wines. This terroir is particularly well-suited to the estate's grape varieties, which are planted in the following proportions: Merlot (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (39%), Petit Verdot (6%), and Cabernet Franc (3%).
The vineyard's average vine age is 30 years, contributing to the depth and concentration in the resulting wines. The estate produces three distinct wines: their flagship red Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande, a second wine called Tronquoy de Saint-Anne, and a rosé labeled Tronquoy-Lalande Rosé. The high percentage of Merlot in the vineyard is somewhat unusual for Saint-Estèphe, giving the wines a distinctive profile compared to many of their neighbors who typically favor Cabernet Sauvignon.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Chateau Tronquoy-Lalande combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a careful sorting process before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise extraction and preservation of fruit character. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 12-16 months, with 30-40% new oak, striking a balance between oak influence and fruit expression.
Since the 2006 acquisition, the estate has invested significantly in modernizing the winery facilities while maintaining respect for traditional winemaking practices. The vineyard management employs high-density planting techniques to encourage competition among vines, resulting in lower yields and more concentrated fruit. This attention to detail extends from the vineyard through to bottling, reflecting the estate's commitment to quality and authentic expression of their Saint-Estèphe terroir.