Château Prieure Lichine

Château Prieure Lichine

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

The wines of Château Prieure Lichine are very characteristic of the Margaux appellation terroir. Very expressive with an interesting aromatic range, the wines are fresh with 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 Château Prieuré Lichine

Prieuré-Lichine is a vineyard in Margaux, in the Médoc, founded during the Romanesque period by the monks of Vertheuil Abbey. The wines of this estate have been renowned since their origin, and in the 13th century, church vineyards were flourishing. The first official mention of Prieuré-Lichine dates back to 1444.

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

In 1855, Prieuré-Lichine was promoted to 4th Grand Cru Classé in the official Bordeaux wine classification. However, the estate was severely affected by the 19th-century plagues, 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 estate 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 purchased by the Ballande group, which continued investments in the vineyard and technical facilities.

In 2012, the estate expanded with an additional 10 hectares located in the commune of Arsac, featuring the same grape varieties as the Grand Vin blend. Soil studies helped refine the grape varieties and rootstocks to best express the potential of each terroir. In 2013, a new vat room was inaugurated, allowing for optimised vinification.

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 vineyards, spread across the five communes of the Margaux appellation. 52 hectares are located within the Margaux appellation and 16 hectares in the Haut-Médoc appellation. The vines of Prieuré-Lichine have an average age of 30 years. The vineyard soils are Günz Garonne gravel, a conglomerate of pebbles, gravel, sand and clay sediments brought by the Garonne River during the Quaternary period.

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

* Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety, thrives in the soils of the hilltops and edges of gravel terraces.

* Merlot, a noble Bordeaux grape variety, prefers the lighter soils of the lowlands.

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

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

The wine of Prieuré-Lichine 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 vintages of Château Prieuré Lichine are 1945, 1961, 1982 and the 2005 vintage. The 1929 and 1990 vintages are considered exceptional.

 

Food and wine pairings

The red wines of Château Prieuré Lichine perfectly complement traditional French cuisine dishes such as navarin of lamb, goose shepherd's pie or roast lamb. For cheeses, the wines of Château Prieuré Lichine pair well with soft cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Reblochon.

 

Château's website

https://prieure-lichine.fr

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