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Key figures

Origin and history

Château La Tour Carnet, originally called "Château Saint Laurent", is an emblematic wine estate located in Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Gironde. Ranked fourth grand cru in the official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855, it is one of the oldest castles of the Médoc, with origins dating back to the 11th century. Its terroir, marked by a limestone clay base and a thick layer of severe günziennes, peaks at 19 meters above sea level, offering unique conditions for viticulture.

In 1999, the estate was taken over by Bernard Magrez, who undertook an ambitious renovation of the vineyards and cellars. This project includes a significant investment to modernize infrastructure while preserving the historic heritage of the site. The castle is also distinguished by its atypical encépagement for the Médoc, dominated by the merlot (52%) rather than by the cabernet Sauvignon, with an 18-month-old farm in barrels, of which 70% are new, under the consultation of the oenologist Michel Rolland.

The field also innovates in wine research with the project "La Tour Carnet 2050", carried out in collaboration with INRAE. This experimental project, which simulates a global warming of 2 to 4 °C on 2.5 hectares of vines, aims to study the adaptation of grape varieties to climate change. Bernard Magrez also created in 2012-2013 a literary prize at the École normale supérieure de Lyon, inspired by the theme of friendship in tribute to Michel de Montaigne, thus strengthening the link between the castle and culture.

The second wine of the estate, "Les Douves du Château La Tour Carnet", completes the wine offer of the castle. This field thus combines medieval wine tradition, technical innovation and cultural commitment, while remaining anchored in its exceptional terroir.

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