Chateau Ducluzeau Listrac Haut Medoc Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Ducluzeau Haut Medoc with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Ducluzeau History, Overview

The creation of Chateau Ducluzeau dates back to the late 17th century when the estate was founded by the Ducluzeau family. After the sale to the Astien family in 1870, the property remained in the hands of the same family through direct descendants until it was handed down to Monique Rochette Borie in 1976.

Chateau Ducluzeau really is a family-owned, Medoc estate as Monique Rochette Borie was born at Chateau Ducluzeau. In fact, she grew up at the estate as well.

The modern era for Chateau Ducluzeau begins when the vineyards started to be managed by Bruno Borie, the son of Monique Rochette Borie. If the name Borie sounds familiar to you, it should. Bruno Borie is best known as the owner of Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou in St. Julien. Bruno Borie also owns Chateau Fourcas Borie in Listrac.

Chateau Ducluzeau Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 10 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Ducluzeau is planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This gives Chateau Ducluzeau the highest concentration of Merlot planted in the Listrac appellation, as well as one of the highest percentages of Merlot planted in the entire Left Bank of Bordeaux!

Previously, the vineyard was planted to as much as 98% Merlot, but that has changed with the addition of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard, giving the wine more structure. The preponderance of Merlot works here, due to its slightly cooler microclimate and the rich clay soils. The vines are old, with an average age of close to 50 years.

The vineyard has a terroir of gravel, clay, and sand soils, typical of the Listrac appellation. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

To produce the wine of Chateau Ducluzeau, the wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine is aged in an average of 20% new, French oak barrels before bottling. The annual production of Chateau Ducluzeau is close to 4,000 cases of wine per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Ducluzeau are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015.

When to Drink Chateau Ducluzeau, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Ducluzeau needs just a little time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 1 hour or so. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Ducluzeau is usually better with at least 6-9 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Ducluzeau offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 2-7 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Ducluzeau with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Ducluzeau is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

The wine of Chateau Ducluzeau is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Ducluzeau is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

Chateau Ducluzeau is a well-priced, forward, supple textured, early-drinking, charming wine with real Bordeaux character, that does not require aging to show its best.

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