Château Larmande

Château Larmande is among the oldest documented properties in Saint-Émilion, with records confirming its existence as far back as 1585. In the early 20th century, the estate was gifted as a wedding present to Alice Capdemourlin and Fernand Méneret, passing into the hands of the Méneret-Capdemourlin family who shaped much of its modern identity. In 1990, the French insurance group La Mondiale, now known as AG2R La Mondiale, acquired the estate. The transition to institutional ownership brought continued investment in both vineyard management and winemaking, preserving the estate's historic character while modernising its production.

• Documented history dating to 1585, one of Saint-Émilion's oldest estates
• Méneret and Capdemourlin families were key historical owners
• AG2R La Mondiale purchased the property in 1990
• Second wine Le Cadet de Larmande offers earlier-drinking access to the estate's style

The estate covers 20 hectares positioned on a north-facing slope within Saint-Émilion, a less common aspect that moderates ripening and preserves acidity and freshness in the finished wines. Soils vary across the property, combining clay-limestone, siliceous clay, and ancient sands. This diversity of soil types contributes complexity to the final blend. The vineyard's vine age is a notable asset: while the average sits around 30 years, certain Cabernet Franc parcels contain vines over 100 years old, capable of producing concentrated, complex fruit with naturally low yields.

• North-facing slope aspect moderates ripening and retains freshness
• Three distinct soil types: clay-limestone, siliceous clay, ancient sands
• Average vine age 30 years; oldest Cabernet Franc vines exceed 100 years
• 20 hectares under vine in the Saint-Émilion appellation

Château Larmande produces a Merlot-dominant red blend typical of the Saint-Émilion appellation, with Merlot making up 65% of plantings, Cabernet Franc at 30%, and Cabernet Sauvignon contributing the remaining 5%. The wine is characterised by rich, mouth-drying tannic structure balanced by generous plum and black cherry fruit, with notes of chocolate and sweet spice. The significant proportion of Cabernet Franc, including fruit from centenarian vines, adds structural complexity and aromatic lift to the blend. The temperate maritime climate of Bordeaux frames the growing season, with the north slope positioning offering a cooler microclimate within the appellation.

• 65% Merlot provides the fleshy, plum-driven core of the wine
• 30% Cabernet Franc adds structure, aromatic complexity, and longevity
• Rich tannic structure balanced by plum, black cherry, chocolate, and sweet spice
• Temperate maritime climate with north slope moderating heat accumulation