Chateau La Prade Francs-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC

Nicolas Thienpont is the son of the great wine merchant Georges Thienpont, who followed in his father's footsteps. He was the fourth son in the family and seemed completely unsuited for a career as a winemaker. Nicolas studied law and philosophy, after which he worked in metallurgy in Provence. But in the early 1980s, Nicolas returned to the family and in 1983 began, very successfully, a career as a winemaker. Chateau Laclaverie is one of the châteaux belonging to Nicolas Thienpont. The vineyards of the Château were completely renewed in the 1970s, and a comprehensive modernization of the plant and cellars was also carried out, and new equipment was purchased. Nicolas's goal is to produce great wines. Therefore, he carefully selects vines for the specific terroir of his vineyards. Thus, until 2006, only red grape varieties were grown in Château Laclaverie and only red wine was produced, but in 2006 Nicolas Thienpont uprooted part of the Cabernet vines and replaced them with white varieties, which, in his opinion, are better suited to some types of soils present on the estate. The owner pays special attention to sustainable farming practices and harvesting grapes at optimal ripeness. Nicolas achieved success thanks to his respect for traditions inherited from the past and his love for innovation.