Château Laroque is a Bordeaux wine which has the appellation Saint-Émilion, ranked Grand cru classé in the Classification of Saint-Émilion wine. The winery is located in the Right Bank of France’s Bordeaux wine region in the department Gironde.
History
Chateau Laroque dates back to the 12th century. The remains of original tower built in the 12th century can be seen in the existing chateau which was constructed in the 17th century. During the great depression of 1929, the owners did not have the funds to maintain the estate and the vineyards, and wine ceased to be produced at the estate for several years. The modern era for Chateau Laroque starts in 1935, when the chateau was purchased by the Beaumartin family. In 1962, the vineyards of Chateau Laroque were completely replanted and the wine making facilities were updated as well. Today, Chateau Laroque is probably better known for the noteworthy chateau and its manicured grounds.
Production
To produce the wine of Chateau Laroque, the wine is fermented in traditional, temperature controlled, cement vats that vary in size. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 12 months. On average, Chateau Laroque produces slightly more than 12,500 cases of their Bordeaux wine per vintage. There is also a second wine, Les Tours de Laroque which can consist of more than 8,000 cases of wine per vintage, depending on the year. The vineyard is also used to produce a third wine, Chateau Peymouton. Chateau Laroque remains relatively unknown as the wines are not sold en primeur are often released a few years after the vintage has been in bottle. The classified vineyard area extends 40 hectares, with the grape varieties of approximately 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.