Château Prieuré-Lichine
Château Prieuré-Lichine
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
The history of Château Prieuré-Lichine
The story of Château Prieuré-Lichine is a fascinating one, spanning several centuries and marked by key events that have shaped its destiny. It all began in the 14th century, when the Prieuré de Cantenac was founded by the monks of the Abbaye de Vertheuil, laying the foundations for a winegrowing tradition that would endure for centuries.
In 1745, the Prieuré wines were already attracting attention, being classified in the prestigious category of third growths by the Intendance of Bordeaux. This recognition heralded the estate's meteoric rise. The turn of the 20th century saw the advent of a new era under the aegis of Alexis Lichine, who acquired the property in 1951 and renamed it Château Prieuré-Lichine, marking the beginning of a period of renaissance for the cru. Stéphane Derenoncourt, the château's oenologist, worked with the help and advice of Michel Rolland to produce top-quality Grand Crus. This period also saw the international expansion of Bordeaux wines, driven by the expertise and innovative vision of Alexis Lichine, nicknamed the "Pope of Wine". After being linked to the Lichine family for half a century, the estate entered a new era in 1999 when it became the property of the Ballande group, opening a new chapter in its history.
In 2019, the estate was awarded a Best of d'Or Wine Tourism and obtained High Environmental Value level 3 certification, testifying to its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Château Prieuré-Lichine terroir
The terroir of Château Prieuré-Lichine is characterized by soils composed mainly of gravel, formed by a mixture of pebbles, gravel, sand and clay sediment deposited by the river during the glacial ice ages of the Quaternary.
These soils, derived from the Garonne gravel terraces of the Günz, offer exceptional drainage properties, one of the outstanding characteristics of the Margaux terroir. This unrivalled drainage capacity enables the vines to draw the necessary nutrients from deep within the soil.
Quaternary glaciers
During the Quaternary, glacial periods alternated with warmer periods, forming glacial outbursts. During these break-ups, melting glaciers generated major torrents and rivers, transporting materials such as pebbles, gravel and sediments. These deposits contributed to the formation of terraces of Garonne gravel, influencing the soil and winegrowing landscape.
#WINES OF THE DOMAIN: Appellations and Cuvées
Margaux appellation
The Margaux appellation, located in the Médoc, is one of the most prestigious in Bordeaux. Famous for its elegant, fine red wines, it produces blends based mainly on Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Margaux's terroir, marked by deep gravel soils, contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines. They are renowned for their finesse, red fruit aromas, floral notes and ability to age well. The Margaux appellation embodies the excellence of Bordeaux wine and remains a symbol of refinement and elegance.
Discover our full selection of Margaux wines
The vintages of Château Prieuré-Lichine
Château Prieuré-Lichine
Confidences de Prieuré Lichine
Le Clocher du Prieuré
Château Prieuré-Lichine white wine
The cuvées of Château Prieuré-Lichine reflect the excellence and diversity of this renowned estate in the Margaux appellation. The Grand Vin de Prieuré-Lichine perfectly embodies the elegance and finesse of the great wines of Margaux, with a predominantly Merlot blend that confers roundness and a silky touch on the palate. Its ageing potential is equivalent to that of the estate's Second Vin.
Confidences de Prieuré Lichine is a little nugget in confidential production, dating back to the 17th century, initially used by the clergy for mass wine. Le Clocher du Prieuré, a Haut-Médoc cuvée, is distinguished by its delicacy and fresh fruit aromas.
Since the 1990s, new terroirs have enriched the structure of Château Prieuré-Lichine's Blanc, a white wine made and aged in the tradition of Bordeaux's finest white wines. Each of these cuvées offers a unique experience, testifying to the expertise and exceptional history of Château Prieuré-Lichine.
The best vintages of Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux ; 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
How much does Château Prieuré-Lichine cost?
The price of a bottle of Château Prieuré-Lichine varies according to several factors, including the vintage, the cuvée, its rarity and market demand. Older vintages and special cuvées can often fetch higher prices due to their prestige and ageing potential. For all online purchases, explore our site to discover a wide range of Château Prieuré-Lichine selections.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation : Margaux
Surface area : 80.2 hectares (78ha Red, 2.2 ha White)
Red grape varieties : 52% Merlot, 45% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
White grape varieties : 30% Semillon, 70% Sauvignon blanc
Vine cultivation : Raisonnée