Chateau Latour Bordeaux

Lauded as one of the four First Growth wineries in Bordeaux under the 1855 classification, Château Latour produces three wines: a grand vin, Les Forts de Latour and Pauillac (the newest addition, with 1990 the first vintage). The grapes grown—in order of their acreage—are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Documented history of the land dates back to the 1330s, with its vines going back just as far. The previous owners of the winery were all relatives until 1963 when the Ségur family sold it to the Pearson group; today it is owned by businessman François Pinault, whose holding company also owns resorts in Vail, Colorado, and Samsonite, the luggage company. He is also among the world’s best collectors of fine art.

The winery is located in the Médoc region near the Gironde estuary and features 190 acres of vineyard.

Quick Facts

• In 2011 a six-liter bottle of Château Latour sold at auction for $205,000
• Each year, 18,000 cases of Château Latour’s grand vin are produced
• The philosopher Montaigne wrote about Château Latour’s wine in “Essays,” published during the 16th Century