What is a second wine?

The origin of the second wine

Historically reserved for the classified growths of Bordeaux, a second wine is a wine produced on the same terroir as that of the château. The grapes come from the younger plots and/or from the part of the harvest not retained in the grand vin due to insufficient maturity. The selection of grapes being very strict for the first wines, depending on the vintage, the châteaux do not hesitate to discard 50% or more of their production.

A second wine therefore has characteristics quite similar to the great wine of the château. They are slightly less complex, less powerful, less persistent, less fine and less suitable for aging. However, they are more affordable financially. Buying a second wine allows you to taste the magic of the great vintage… without paying the price.

The “first second wines” were born at the end of the 19th century and often did not bear the name “Château”.

The most famous second wines are those of the first classified growths of Bordeaux, including:

• Carruades de Lafite, in reference to the name of the “Plateau des Carruades”. A group of plots adjoining the Château Lafite Rothschild in Pauillac.
• Les Forts de Latour for Château Latour. The grape selection is very strict, they even produce a third wine “Pauillac de Latour”.
• Le Petit Mouton, which owes its name to the residence of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. In the very heart of the Mouton Rothschild vineyard.
• Pavillon rouge du Château Margaux and Pavillon blanc du Château Margaux. Château Margaux divides its production into 1/3 for Château Margaux, 1/3 for Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux and 1/3 for their third wine.
• La Chapelle d’Ausone, since 1995, has been produced from the blending of the finest grapes from young vines, 25 years old on average.

Discover the second wines currently in the cellar 

Our cellar brings together the greatest classified growths of Bordeaux and their second wines: Le Petit Mouton, Carruades de Lafite, Echo de Lynch Bages, Amiral de Beychevelle…

Our suggestions :

1985 Pavillon rouge du Château Margaux : 93/100

2009 Pensées de Lafleur : 93/100

1990 Bahans Haut Brion : 95/100