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Chateau
Lafite Rothschild |
33
Rue de la Baume
75008 Paris, France
Phone: 33-1-53-897-800
Fax: 33-1-53-897-801 |
Pauillac |
Location: The vineyards of Chateau
Lafite Rothschild sits on the highest knoll of the Pauillac
area. (Appellation Pauillac Controlée)
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222 acres producing 15,000 to 25,000 cases per year depending on the success of the vintage .
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Classification:
First growth.
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Second Label: Carruades de Lafite
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Grape Variety Plantings: 70%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot,
5% Cabernet
Franc, 5% Petit
Verdot. Average age of the vines is 44 years. Replanting
of these vines takes place in lots.
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Grape Variety in Blends: Cabernet Sauvignon 80 to 95%, Merlot 5 to 20%, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot 0 to 3%.
Depending on the success of the vintage, the blend can vary greatly. In 1994, Cabernet Sauvignon comprised 99% of the blend.
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Vinification and aging: Fermention of Chateau Lafite Rothschild takes place in wooden vats and aged in 100% new oak barrels for 24-30 months.
Clarified with egg whites to remove fine solids.The barrels used at Chateau Lafite Rothschild are produced at the Chateau's own cooperage.
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History: The vineyard was at one time
owned by Alexandre de Segur, proprietor of Chateaux
Latour and
Calon Segur. Lafite became
public property in 1794, after the owner (the President of the
Parliament of Guyenne) had been guillotined in the Revolution.
After changing hands a few more times, the Rothschild family
acquired the property when it was put up for auction in 1868
and remain the owners today.
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Style: Dark ruby color, ripe black
currants, almonds, violets and vanilla, spicy, oaky scents. The wine
has great finesse and a particular softness imparted by the
Merlot. It tends to be firm yet delicate and supple, great elegance
develops with age.
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Food: An excellent accompaniment to
duck, veal, lamb and all red meats.
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