History
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste's history dates back to the sixteenth century when the property was originally owned by the Guiraud family, a member of the Bordeaux Parliament. The estate passed through female lines of inheritance, changing names with each successive marriage. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that the property was named Lacoste after François Lacoste married Marie-Jeanne de Saint Guirons. Pierre-Frédéric Lacoste, who inherited the property in 1844, rebuilt the château in 1855 and secured its place among Bordeaux's Great Classified Growths as a "fifth growth."
The estate remained in the Lacoste family until 1920, when financial difficulties following World War I forced the sale. Raymond Dupin, a wealthy negociant, purchased the estate in 1932 and brought a personal touch to Grand-Puy-Lacoste. However, he sold the property in 1978 to Jean-Eugene Borie, who was chosen by Dupin for his commitment to winemaking. The Borie family has since maintained control, with François-Xavier Borie taking over in 2003 and continuing to modernize the vineyards and winemaking facilities. The estate remains a testament to centuries of winemaking excellence in the Pauillac appellation.
Terroir
The terroir of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is characterized by its gravel soils, which are a product of the Quaternary era. These gravel soils, mixed with sand and clay, were deposited along the banks of the Gironde Estuary by the Garonne River. The gravel ensures excellent drainage, allowing the roots of the vines to burrow deep into the soil in search of nourishment. This soil composition is particularly well-suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, which benefits from the heat retained and released by the gravel during the day and night, promoting even ripening of the grapes.
The vineyards of Grand-Puy-Lacoste are planted on deep gravel soils, with a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare. The estate's terroir also benefits from the maritime climate of Bordeaux, influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic and the Gironde Estuary. This climate is balanced by great sunshine, hot summers, and mild winters, creating a favorable microclimate with winds that introduce humidity to the atmosphere. The combination of these factors contributes to the production of full-bodied, tannic, and concentrated Bordeaux wines with flavors of cassis, cedar, tobacco, and truffle.
