# Les Forts de Latour (2017)

- **Producer:** Château Latour
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €250
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blossom, graphite, blackberry, cedar pencil, plum, cassis, redcurrant, liquorice, cloves, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, smoke, tobacco, coffee, leather, forest floor, mushroom, earth

## About this wine

Les Forts de Latour 2017 is a red Bordeaux blend from the Pauillac appellation, produced by the renowned Château Latour. It is considered the estate's second wine, made with the same meticulous care as the Grand Vin. The 2017 vintage experienced a varied growing season, with a dry summer leading to even ripening. The wine is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, with significant Merlot and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Château Latour is a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate with a long history of producing wines of exceptional quality and longevity, a philosophy that extends to Les Forts de Latour.

## Interesting facts

- Often includes fruit from younger vines than the Grand Vin.
- Represents about 45% of Château Latour's total production.
- Two plots normally reserved for the Grand Vin were included in 2017.
- Aged in 50-60% new French oak barrels.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannins and structure are well-suited to complement the proteins in red meats, softening as they interact. The wine's savory notes can echo the richness of roasted dishes and earthy flavors found in mushrooms and game.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Les Forts de Latour 2017 begins with fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats for about three weeks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, with 50-60% of them being new. The grapes used are a blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, sourced from the estate's vineyards in Pauillac. The selection of parcels and the meticulous winemaking techniques are central to the estate's commitment to quality.