# Château Gruaud Larose 2021 (2021)

- **Producer:** Château Gruaud Larose
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €120
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, pencil shavings, black cherry, cedar, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, smoke, cloves, forest floor, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Château Gruaud Larose 2021 is a red wine from the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, France. The estate, founded in 1757 and currently owned by the Merlaut family, is a 2ème Grand Cru Classé from the 1855 classification. The vineyards are planted with 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, with some Petit Verdot also present. The 2021 vintage is recognized for its balance, aromatic complexity, and inherent freshness and tension, reflecting the estate's commitment to quality and its historical lineage.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's motto: 'The wine of kings, the king of wines.'
- Owned by the Merlaut family since 1997.
- Ongoing conversion to organic farming practices.
- Average vine age is 46 years.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure, particularly its tannins and acidity, complements the richness and protein of red meats, softening the tannins and enhancing the savory flavors. Herbal notes in the wine can echo those in the dish, creating a harmonious connection.

## Wine making process

Château Gruaud Larose 2021 is produced using plot-based vinification in thermo-regulated wooden vats. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at 24-26°C with maceration lasting 20 to 30 days, and malolactic fermentation occurs concurrently. The wine is subsequently aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 95% of them being new. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, including integrated pest control, organic fertilization, and encouraging biodiversity, with an ongoing conversion to organic farming.