Château Laforge

A blacksmith and his wine - Château Laforge

Château Laforge is located in Saint-Emilion in the famous wine-growing region of Bordeaux. The estate belongs to Jonathan Maltus, an English winemaker who came to Bordeaux in the 90ies. Maltus is considered a "rebel" among the vintners of the area, as he entered the "garage era" of Bordeaux wine, when it was about breaking all the rules that could be broken, and made a name for himself with very independent wines, which, however, are in no way inferior to the classics in terms of quality.

Château Laforge previously belonged to a blacksmith, who also gave the estate this name in reference to his berut. The estate's estates were already quite fragmented and diverse due to continuous purchases. In order to settle accounts, the blacksmith sold the estates piece by piece to Maltus, who ironically reunited them.

Viticulture at Château Laforge

92% of the vineyards are planted with Merlot, 8% with Cabernet Franc. This makes the Merlot percentage the largest of any of Maltus' estates. The fragmentation of the vineyards provides for very different qualities, which prevail in the different vineyards. The vineyards are located in Saint-Emilion as well as outside, near Château Grand Pontet  and Château Monbousquet, two other famous wine estates. In total, they cover just under 6 hectares.

As there is no Château Laforge in the sense of a building, the grapes are further processed in the cellar of Château Teyssier, which is also owned by Maltus. The cellar there is modern, so there is no pumping, but only gravity is used for the transport. Large wooden tanks made of French oak are used for fermentation. Afterwards, they are put into small wooden barrels, also made of French oak, where they get the final touch.