A brief history
Château Laville is owned by Jean-Christophe Barbe and his family. Jean-Christophe’s particular area of expertise as an oenology professor at the University of Bordeaux is ‘noble rot’ which, as a producer of Sauternes, he has had plenty of opportunity to study first-hand.
The vineyards for Château Laville lie on gravel soils underpinned by limestone. The best plots are used to make the Grand Vin. Several passes through the vineyard are needed to ensure that only the most botrytised berries are selected. The wine is a blend of 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. It is fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks before being aged in oak (50% new) for 30 months to give it just enough complexity, while retaining freshness and the distinctive botrytis character.
