Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus (Fifth Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. 

History

This winery shares a part of its name with Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Grand Puy is the name of a low gravelly hill which used to be owned in its entirety by the same estate. Parts of the vineyards on this hill were sold in 1750 to a man by the name Pierre Ducasse, which was the origin of the name.

Vineyards

The vineyard's 40 hectares (99 acres) are divided between three main plots which lie on sandy Garonne gravel within the Pauillac appellation. The vines border those of Mouton, Lafite and Pontet-Canet to the North. In their central part, they cover part of the Bourdieu of Grand Puy, and, at their southern extremity, the Saint-Lambert plateau. With an average age of 25 years, 62% of the vines are Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. Average yields are 40 hectolitres per hectare.

Wines

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse was classified 5th growth in the famous 1855 classification. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are planted on a gravel soil, typical of Pauillac. Thanks to impeccable harvesting and tailor-made winemaking, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse has all the excellent qualities of a legendary fine wine, renowned for aromatic complexity, glorious structure and ageing capacity, all true to the Pauillac’s style.

The name “Prélude” states the ambition of this second wine to provide a true introduction to the “Grand Vin”. Made from the young vines of the estate, it receives the same care at every stage. It ensures that it is more supple and forward than its senior, while showing the same qualities of elegance and harmony.