Château Prieure Lichine

Château Prieure Lichine

Château Prieure Lichine is a Bordeaux wine estate located in Cantenac in Gironde. The vineyard covers an area of ​​78 hectares with a grape variety of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and only 5% Petit Verdot. It is listed in the official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855 as a fourth classified growth.

The wines of Château Prieure Lichine are very characteristic of the Margaux appellation terroir. Very expressive and with an interesting aromatic palette, the wines are fresh and have silky tannins. The Château also produces a second wine called "Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine" and a third wine "le clocher du Prieuré".

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The history of the Château Prieure Lichine 

Prieuré-Lichine is a vineyard in Margaux, in the Médoc, founded in the Romanesque period by the monks of the Vertheuil Abbey. The wines of this vintage have been renowned since the beginning and, in the 13th century, the church vineyards were flourishing. It was not until 1444 that the first official mention of Prieuré-Lichine was made.

In the 18th century, international interest in Médoc wines was confirmed. Prieuré-Lichine was included in the classification of the Intendance of Bordeaux in the category of third growths of the parishes of Margaux and Cantenac.

In 1855, Prieuré-Lichine was promoted to 4th Grand Cru Classé in the official classification of Bordeaux wines. However, the vintage was severely affected by the scourges of the 19th century, such as powdery mildew, downy mildew and phylloxera. In 1951, the estate was bought by Alexis Lichine, who renamed it Château Prieuré-Lichine.

Under the direction of Alexis Lichine, the vintage regained its former glory. The "Pope of Wine" passed away at the Prieuré in 1989, but the estate continued its momentum. In 1999, it was bought by the Ballande group, which continued to invest in the vineyard and technical facilities.

In 2012, the estate expanded with an additional 10 hectares located in the commune of Arsac, with the same grape varieties as the Grand Vin blend. Soil studies allow the grape varieties and rootstocks to be refined to best express the potential of each terroir. In 2013, a new vat room was inaugurated, allowing winemaking to be optimized.

In 2019, Château Prieuré-Lichine committed to a High Environmental Value (HVE) approach and obtained its HVE level 3 certification.

What are the characteristics of the wines of Château Prieuré Lichine?

The Prieuré-Lichine estate has 77 hectares of vines, spread over the five communes of the Margaux appellation. 52 hectares are located in the Margaux appellation and 16 hectares in the Haut-Médoc appellation. The Prieuré-Lichine vines have an average age of 30 years. The vineyard soils are Garonne gravel from Günz, a conglomerate of pebbles, gravel, sand and clayey sediments brought by the Garonne in the Quaternary.

The Prieuré-Lichine grape varieties are composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. These three grape varieties are planted on soils adapted to their needs:

* Cabernet Sauvignon, the majority grape variety, appreciates the soils of the summits and the edges of gravel terraces.

* Merlot, a noble grape variety from Bordeaux, thrives in the lighter soils of the marshes.

* Petit Verdot, a complementary grape variety, requires slightly stronger soils.

The wine is aged in French oak barrels, 2/3 of which are new, for around 18 months.

The Prieuré-Lichine wine is an elegant, fine and distinguished red wine. It is characterised by its aromas of black fruits, violets and spices.

The best vintages of Château Prieuré Lichine

The best wines of Château Prieuré Lichine are the 1945, 1961, 1982 and 2005 vintages. The 1929 and 1990 vintages are considered exceptional.

Food and wine pairings

The red wines of Château Prieuré Lichine are the perfect accompaniment to traditional French cuisine, such as lamb stew, goose parmentier or roast lamb. As for cheese, Château Prieuré Lichine wines are best paired with soft cheeses such as Saint Nectaire or Reblochon.

Château's website

https://prieure-lichine.com

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