Location and vineyards
Château Lafite Rothschild is located in Pauillac in France, in the Médoc wine region. The 112 hectares of vineyard area encompass the slopes around the château, the Carruades plateau in the west, as well as a 4.5-hectare plot in the neighbouring commune of Saint-Estèphe.
The soils consist of fine, deep gravel with windblown sand over a well-drained tertiary limestone subsoil. On the Carruades plateau there are deep clay-gravel soils.
Grape varieties and cultivation
In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are grown. For the Grand Vin and Carruades de Lafite, the grapes come from vines that are more than ten years old.
In 2021, the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite confirmed the transition to organic farming for their French properties, including Château Lafite Rothschild.
The wines
The Grand Vin Château Lafite Rothschild typically contains a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot and a small proportion of Petit Verdot. The blend varies depending on the vintage.
Carruades de Lafite has a higher Merlot proportion than the Grand Vin and may contain Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The estate describes its characteristics as similar to the Grand Vin.
Production
The Grand Vin ferments for around 15 days at controlled temperatures of 26 to 27 °C, and after the assemblage it matures for approximately 15 months in new oak barrels. Carruades de Lafite is fermented in wooden, cement and stainless-steel containers. An approximately 20-day maceration is followed by malolactic fermentation and around 16 months’ ageing in French oak barrels.
The estate operates its own cooperage in Pauillac, producing barrels for its wines.
History
Lafite was first mentioned in 1234 as a wine producer. In the 1855 classification, Château Lafite Rothschild received the status of Premier Grand Cru Classé. Baron James de Rothschild acquired Lafite in 1868. The designation Pauillac appellation contrôlée appeared on the labels at the latest by 1889.
