Second wines

by SoDivin 10 October 2024

10 October 2024 6.4K views

Today, second wines occupy an essential place in the world of great wine estates. Long considered confidential, they are now fully recognized for their quality and distinct identity. Produced on the same properties as the grand crus, second wines offer the opportunity to discover a château’s style through a more approachable expression, while still adhering to high production standards.

What is a second wine?

A second wine is produced by a prestigious estate from specific plots or grape batches distinct from those used for the grand vin. It benefits from the same terroir, the same technical teams, and the same expertise, but with a different selection, often focused on younger vines or blends designed for a more immediate expression. A second wine is not an inferior wine, but a cuvée in its own right, created to offer earlier enjoyment while faithfully reflecting the identity of the estate.

The concept of the second wine, between high standards and accessibility

The development of second wines meets a dual requirement. On the one hand, it allows châteaux to maintain a consistently high level of excellence for their grand vin through rigorous selection. On the other hand, it offers wine lovers the opportunity to access prestigious estates under more approachable conditions. Second wines are often distinguished by their suppleness, fruit-forward character, and balance, while still preserving the stylistic signature of the estate from which they originate.

Major estates producing second wines

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.

Why take an interest in second wines today?

Second wines are attracting an ever-growing number of knowledgeable wine lovers and passionate enthusiasts alike. They offer a complementary interpretation of the grands crus and allow for a deeper understanding of an estate’s style through different expressions. At the crossroads of high quality standards and immediate pleasure, second wines embody a modern and accessible facet of great châteaux, while remaining faithful to the spirit and excellence of the terroirs from which they originate.