Château Lafite Rothschild Decade 1990-2000-2010

The vineyard of Château Lafite Rothschild consists of three main areas: The slopes around the Château, the Carruades plateau to the west and a 4.5 hectare site in Saint-Estèphe. Its area is 112 hectares. The soil consists of fine, deeply ground mixed with windblown sand on a well-drained and well-incorporated tertiary limestone subsoil. The grape varieties grown here are Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Here the first stones were laid, the winegrowers' houses were built and prepared for something unusual to happen. As the years passed, the house overlooking this hill got bigger and a wisteria vine climbed the walls of generations of families to see how preserving this ecosystem has always been the ultimate priority. 150 years ago, Baroness Betty, wife of Baron James, planted the huge oak trees that separate our vineyard from the marshes. They, their children and grandchildren, the families of winegrowers die with them, work conscientiously to protect this impeccable creation that has been bequeathed to nature. They have taken great care to preserve this microcosm of forests and marshes, flora and fauna amidst the vines of Château Lafite Rothschild thrive in this almost wild osmosis.

As the ultimate witness to this protected land, some of the vines still gracefully show off their 140 years of ungrafted life. They escaped the phylloxera which, however, spared no one else! This infallible part of the vines continues to elude the winegrowers, the same ones who form, protect and nurture it, from one harvest year to the next, trying to refine this perfect composition that amazes them time and time again. It may not be a coincidence, of course, that Lafite earned the title of "First of the First" at Napoleon III's World's Fair. Nor will it be a coincidence, if others will speak of it long after us… Each barrel is tasted individually and only the best is selected for the final blend. After blending, the wine matures for 15 months in new oak barrels. Fermentation takes place for 15 days at a controlled temperature of 18°C. Only vines older than 10 years are used for the Grand Vin Château Lafite Rothschild. While each vintage is unique, there is usually a large portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, then Merlot, with a small contribution of Petit Verdot.

Bordeaux is one of the most iconic wine regions on earth. It is known for its rare red wines that have enormous storage potential. White wines and sweet white wines also come from here, which are loved worldwide.

History of Bordeaux

The Romans were among the first to cultivate vineyards in the Bordeaux region, beginning around the 1st century AD. They recognized the potential of the region's fertile soil and favorable climate for wine production. The city of Burdigala (modern Bordeaux) became an important center for the wine trade. The wine trade in Bordeaux continued to flourish during the Middle Ages. Wine production was mainly centered around monastic vineyards, with the Catholic Church playing an important role in winemaking. Pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela in Spain helped spread Bordeaux's reputation. The marriage of Henry Plantagenet (Henry II of England) to Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century led to a strong bond between Bordeaux and England. This connection brought wines from Bordeaux to the English court, where they became extremely popular. The Hundred Years' War between England and France further strengthened the region's ties with England. The 1259 Treaty of Paris marked the end of the English occupation of Bordeaux. Despite Bordeaux's return to French rule, strong ties with England persisted, and the demand for wines across the English Channel continued.

Bordeaux wines continued to gain international recognition and were highly regarded among European nobility. The Dutch in particular were important importers of Bordeaux wines. During this period, the wines were transported in oak barrels, which helped improve their quality and aging potential. The official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855 is a milestone in the history of Bordeaux. It was created for the Exposition Universelle de Paris to classify the best castles of Bordeaux into different levels of quality. This classification is still in use today and is known for designating the prestigious First Growth (Premier Cru) estates. In the late 19th century, there were significant challenges to wine production in Bordeaux, including the phylloxera epidemic, which devastated vineyards across Europe. Bordeaux, like other regions, had to replant vineyards with American rootstocks to combat the blight. Bordeaux continued to adapt and evolve throughout the 20th century. Winemaking techniques improved and the region embraced modern viticulture. Bordeaux maintained its reputation for quality and consistency, and the region's finest estates became highly sought after by collectors and investors.

Wine production of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is best known for its red wines, usually blends of different grape varieties. The main red grape varieties used in Bordeaux are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The specific grape varieties used in a wine depend on the sub-region, chateau and style of the winemaker. Bordeaux also produces white wines, mainly made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. These white wines can range from dry to sweet, with the famous sweet wines of Sauternes being a notable example. Bordeaux winemakers use a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. These include maceration, fermentation, oak barrel aging and blending. Winemakers often blend different grape varieties to create a balanced and harmonious wine.

Sub-regions

Bordeaux is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most notable sub-regions include:

Pauillac: Known for powerful wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild among the top estates.

Margaux: famous for its elegant and aromatic wines, home to Château Margaux.

Saint-Julien: Produces well-balanced wines with a reputation for consistency, including Château Léoville-Las Cases and Château Ducru-Beaucaillou.

Saint-Estèphe: Known for structured and tannic wines, with Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose among notable features.

Graves: Located on the Left Bank south of the city of Bordeaux, Graves is known for both red and white wines. The gravelly soils lend their name to the region.

Pessac-Léognan: Home to some of Bordeaux's best red wines, such as Château Haut-Brion. It also produces excellent white wines.

Saint-Émilion: Located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, Saint-Émilion is known for its Merlot-dominant red wines. The region is characterized by limestone-rich soils and is known for producing approachable, luscious wines. Prominent estates include Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc.

Pomerol: Also located on the Right Bank, it is known for its Merlot-based wines, which are often considered among Bordeaux's most opulent and rich wines. Notable estates include Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin.

Sauternes and Barsac: In the southern part of Bordeaux, these regions are known for their sweet white wines. Botrytized Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are used to produce delicious dessert wines, with Château d'Yquem being the best known producer.

Entre-Deux-Mers: The Entre-Deux-Mers region is located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and produces mainly white wines from the Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle grapes. The red wines here are generally less known, but still of good quality.

Bordeaux AOC: The broader Bordeaux AOC covers the entire region, including both the Left and Right Banks. It produces a wide range of wines, from everyday table wines to quality blends. Bordeaux Supérieur is a higher quality subgroup within this appellation.

Côtes de Bordeaux: This appellation includes several sub-regions on the Right Bank, including Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de Castillon and Côtes de Francs. These areas produce a range of red wines, often offering good value for money.

Blaye en Bourg: Located on the Right Bank, Blaye en Bourg produces a blend of red and white wines, with an emphasis on Merlot-based red wines.

Haut-Médoc: Part of the greater Médoc region, Haut-Médoc includes numerous renowned appellations and is known for producing high-quality, age-worthy red wines.

Grape varieties in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is home to several grape varieties, but the main ones used in its wines are:

Merlot: Commonly found in Right Bank wines, it adds softness and fruitiness.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Predominant in Left Bank wines, it contributes structure and ripeness.

Cabernet Franc: Often used for blending, it adds aromatic complexity and finesse.

Petit Verdot and Malbec: Used in smaller quantities for blending, adding depth and character.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon: Used for white Bordeaux wines, with Sauvignon Blanc providing acidity and Semillon providing body and richness.

Terroir of Bordeaux

The terroir of Bordeaux is diverse and plays a crucial role in the character of the wines. The region's terroir is influenced by the Gironde River, which splits Bordeaux into two banks, the Left Bank (west) and the Right Bank (east). The Left Bank is known for its gravelly soils, which are well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Right Bank has clay and limestone soils, more favorable to Merlot.

The climate in Bordeaux is maritime, with the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. This climate, combined with the diverse soils, allows Bordeaux to produce a wide range of wines, from the tannic and structured wines of the Médoc to the lush and accessible wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Bordeaux's rich history, diverse terroir and tradition of winemaking excellence have cemented Bordeaux's status as one of the world's most renowned wine regions, with a global reputation for producing some of the finest wines available.

Red wine is made from blue grapes. The wines get their dark colour from the skin of the grape, which ferments with the grape juice. The intensity of the colour is determined by how long the juice has matured; a young red wine will have a somewhat purple colour, while older wines tend to be more orange or brown-red.

With around 10,000 varieties of grapes worldwide, you can go in all directions.

The most well-known blue grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah / Shiraz.

Types of red wine

There are many different types of grapes with different characteristics and aromas. The differences within grape varieties are due to the difference in climate, the soil where the vines are planted, and the amount of sun.

The end result is in the hands of the winemaker. During the process from juice to wine, the winemaker still has a lot of options to change the final product into what he wants to put on the market.

The upbringing of the wine plays a major role in this. After fermentation, the process of raising and maturing the wine begins. There are many options for influencing the wine, but the most well-known concerns the ageing in wood.

If the winemaker chooses to raise the wine on wood, many things come into play. The first choice is whether new or older barrels will be used. Older, used barrels release less or no more aromas and tannins, but they still have an oxidative function. New wood barrels let in dosed oxygen and ensure that the wine has aromas and tannins. This is more intense with smaller barrels than with large wooden barrels.

Dry red wine

The most famous red wine is a dry red wine. The number of grape varieties and different taste profiles are enormous. There is a nice glass of red for every moment.

Sweet red wine

Just like sweet white wine, there is sweet red wine too! They are a lot rarer than dry red wines. If you want to try something different, it's definitely worth a try.

Alcohol-free red wine

Non-alcoholic wine is becoming more and more popular. Whether it is red non-alcoholic wine, white non-alcoholic wine, or sparkling non-alcoholic wine, more and more attention is being paid to it. Perfect for a cosy drink during pregnancy, or during a non-alcoholic month!

Red wine Gift

Red wine is fun to give, and even more fun to receive! Grandcruwijnen has ready-made wine gifts to make your gift recipient happy ;)

If you have your eye on a bottle of wine, at Grandcruwijnen we also have gift packaging to complete your gift! If you've found something you like, you can easily add a gift card during checkout.

Buy red wine online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily buy red wine online. In our range, you will find products from the well-known grape varieties. If you want to buy a nice red wine, you have come to the right place at Grandcruwijnen. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a very well-known grape and gives a full flavour and a dark colour. The ripening process is very important.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most recognized grape varieties for red wine. The grapes are grown in almost every major wine-producing country in a wide spectrum of climates, from Australia, Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, to even China. 

Although the grapes are grown worldwide, most Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from France, Chile, Australia and South Africa.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape ripens late, which is why it thrives best in warm climates. In Bordeaux it is just fine, especially in the relatively warm Entre-Deux Mer and on the dry gravel soils of Médoc and Graves. 

What does a Cabernet Sauvignon wine taste like?

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most well-behaved boy in the vineyard. He rarely abandons his owner. A Cabernet Sauvignon always gives scents and flavors of blackcurrant and spicy aromas. The difference of which aromas emerge is decided during the maturation process. If a Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in small wooden barrels, then more aromas of coffee, spices and toast will come to the fore.

What temperature should you drink Cabernet Sauvignon?

Over the occasion, a red wine should be drunk at a temperature slightly cooler than room temperature. A Cabernet Sauvignon's ideal serving temperature is 16°C, but the aromas of the wine will come out well between 15 and 18°C. 

The Merlot grape is originally a real (right bank) Bordeaux grape and the most planted grape in France. In many cases, this grape is mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot is known for its smooth and easy wines that are also full-bodied and powerful.

Today's red wine drinker likes to drink his bottle of red wine young and be able to enjoy a full taste. The Merlot is ideal for this.

What does a Merlot taste like?

The Merlot is a soft, supple red wine with fairly neutral tannins and acidity. The taste of this red wine is mainly recognizable by cherries, berries and plums. This wine contains less tannin than the Cabernet Sauvignon, making it easier and younger to drink. Due to its low acidity, the Merlot can also be used as a table wine.