Château Latour

Origin

Chateau Latour is situated in the southern part of Pauillac, close to the border with Saint-Julien. The vineyards surround the iconic Tour de Saint-Lambert, a historic tower that has symbolised the estate since the 14th century. The location is both strategic and exceptional: Latour possesses some of the best-drained gravel terraces in all of Bordeaux. The estate takes its name from the same tower that served for centuries as a defensive structure and lookout post over the Gironde river. The proximity of the river also creates a unique microclimate that protects the vines from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations.

History

The history of Chateau Latour is a story of power, prestige, international influence and technical perfection.

Medieval origins

The estate is first mentioned in documents from 1331, when the tower was built as part of a defensive system during the Hundred Years' War. Although farming already took place at that time, serious viticulture only began to take shape on a commercial scale in the 15th and 16th centuries.

17th and 18th centuries: the rise of a legend

From the 17th century onwards, the reputation of Latour grew rapidly. The wine became popular in England and at the courts of France and the Netherlands. The combination of structure, power and durability made Latour a wine that could be transported over long distances without losing quality. In the 18th century, Latour became one of the most sought-after wines in the Bordeaux region. The estate records from this period show for the first time the extremely strict selection process that forms the foundation of Latour's famous Grand Vin.

19th century: Premier Grand Cru Classé

During the 1855 classification, Chateau Latour was ranked as one of the four original Premier Grand Cru Classé estates. The placement in the highest category came as no surprise: Latour had already built a centuries-long reputation as a wine of exceptional power, perfection and reliability.

20th and 21st centuries: technical precision

From the phylloxera epidemic to the world wars, Latour has faced periods of great challenge. Yet the style always remained true to its foundations: rigorous selection, traditional vinification and a deep respect for the terroir. In 1993 the estate was acquired by François Pinault, leading to an impressive programme of modernisation. New cellars, stricter quality controls and a scientific approach to terroir and micro-vinification have brought quality to an unprecedented level.

Terroir

The terroir of Chateau Latour is considered one of the finest in Bordeaux. The iconic vineyard L'Enclos forms the heart of the estate.

L'Enclos

L'Enclos covers approximately 47 hectares and is fully walled. This unique parcel contains the oldest and finest vines on the estate, some of which are more than 60 years old. The selection for the Grand Vin is extremely strict: only the most perfect parcels and grapes are accepted.

Soil structure

The soil of L'Enclos consists of:

• deep gravel
• sand
• clay
• iron oxide-bearing layers

This combination provides:

• exceptional drainage
• deep rooting
• optimal ripening
intense aromatic concentration

The underlying clay layers retain water during dry years, contributing to the power and intensity of the wine.

Microclimate

The proximity of the Gironde provides:

• protection against frost
• gentle air circulation
• stable temperatures

This climate encourages slow, complete ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which plays the leading role at Latour.

Frequently asked questions about Château Latour wine