Château Lagrange has been producing wine since the 17th century. The property was classified a third growth in 1855 thanks to the efforts of Count Dûchatel, who owned Lagrange from 1842 to 1874. He built a network of drains and extended the estate to 280 hectares, including 120 of vines. In 1983, the Suntory group, a leading Japanese wine and spirits firm, acquired Lagrange and invested heavily in a huge renovation. Priority was given to the vineyard, followed by refurbishing and modernising the vat room and cellars. The efforts undertaken in the 1980s continue to the present day. A new management team, Matthieu Bordes and Keiichi Shiina have recently taken charge, who, along with technical director Benjamin Vimal are taking Lagrange to ever greater heights of success.
The vineyards are planted 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Vinification of the fruit, which is harvested by hand, employs temperature controlled stainless steel vats before maturation in French oak. Fiefs de Lagrange sees 20% new oak as opposed to 60% for the Grand Vin. Designed for earlier drinking but capable of ageing in the medium term Fiefs offers excellent value from this extremely well run estate.
