53 / 110
48
FRANCE
Château Patache d’Aux
WINERY OVERVIEW
Patache d’Aux is the main property of Domaines Lapalu, a holding company started by
Claude Lapalu and now managed by his son Jean-Michel. The estate takes its name from the
Chevaliers d’Aux (descendants of The Counts of Armagnac), who were the owners dating back
to 1632. Seized by the State during the French Revolution, the property became a stopping
point for stagecoaches called pataches, thus the name and illustration on the label. Today,
this classic Cru Bourgeois property produces wines of exemplary quality, capable of aging a
decade or more while still retaining aromatic freshness and structure.
LOCATION OF VINEYARD
The vineyard covers 106 acres (43 hectares) in the village of Bégadan, with an average
vine age of 35 years and a planting density of 3,440 vines per acre (8,500 vines/ha). The
plantings consist of four grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet
Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. The soil structure is composed of gravel mixed in with clay
and limestone.
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
After harvest, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled cement, wood, and stainless
steel vats for 3 to 4 weeks. The wine is aged in French oak for 12 months, with 25% in new oak.
Avoiding super-concentration and over-ripeness, the resulting wine is approachable early.
Owned by:
Jean-Michel Lapalu
Winemaker:
Olivier Sempé
Founded in:
1632
Region:
Médoc, Bordeaux
Country:
France
Wine:
Château Patache d’Aux, Médoc