Château Larcis-Ducasse
シャトー・ラルシ・デュカス
Saint-Émilion's hillside gem: Premier Grand Cru Classé B beside Pavié
Château Larcis-Ducasse is a Premier Grand Cru Classé B estate in Saint-Émilion, located on the south-facing slopes adjacent to Château Pavié. The 11.3-hectare property was acquired by Henri Raba in 1893 and has been managed by Nicolas Thienpont and advised by Stéphane Derenoncourt since 2002, a partnership that transformed its quality dramatically. In the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification, the château was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé B—one of only 12 estates to hold this rank. The terroir features a mosaic of limestone, clay, chalk, and marl across the plateau and terraced slopes. The vineyards are planted 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, vinified using gravity flow, whole-berry fermentation in cement tanks, pigeage, and aged 18–20 months in 67% new French oak barrels of mixed sizes.
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Who Is This For?
For Bordeaux lovers seeking a Premier Grand Cru Classé B with exceptional terroir expression, silky Merlot-dominant texture, and Burgundian-style precision — those who admire both power and finesse in a Right Bank gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What classification does Château Larcis-Ducasse hold?
- Château Larcis-Ducasse is classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé B in Saint-Émilion — the second-highest tier, achieved in the 2012 classification. It is one of only 12 châteaux to hold this rank.
- What grape varieties are used?
- The estate is planted with 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc. Since 2003, the proportion of Cabernet Franc has been gradually increasing to add freshness and structure.
- Who manages Château Larcis-Ducasse today?
- Nicolas Thienpont has managed the estate since 2002, with Stéphane Derenoncourt serving as oenological consultant. Together they transformed the property into one of Saint-Émilion's most exciting producers.
- What makes the terroir of Larcis-Ducasse special?
- The vineyard sits on south-facing slopes and terraces next to Château Pavié, with soils ranging from pure limestone and chalk at the plateau top to marl, silt, clay, and sand on the lower terraces — a mosaic that contributes complexity and minerality to the wine.
- How is the wine aged?
- The wine is aged for 18 to 20 months in 67% new French oak barrels, a mix of standard 225-litre barrels and larger 500-litre casks, with malolactic fermentation completed in barrel for additional texture and integration.