When visiting the wine Châteaux of Bordeaux region, you will often hear the enigmatic term “Second wine” (“Second Vin”), as opposed to “First wine” (“Premier Vin”). What exactly is it?

Origin of “Second Vin” denomination

The origin of this designation lies with a pioneer, Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, who presented a second wine at the 1874 World’s Fair in Moscow. Others did then follow: in 1902 Château Léoville Las Cases created “Clos du Marquis”; then in 1908 Château Margaux launched “Pavillon Rouge”.

Technical characteristics

Since then, the “second wine,” or “second label,” has been considered the younger sibling of the first wine, commonly referred to as the “Grand Vin”: same philosophy, same estate, same signature, but with greater flexibility and a more approachable style.

Estates have several options for crafting their second wine, which can be combined depending on the vintage.

  • Young Vines
    The Second Wine may come from plots where the vines, still young, do not yet produce the quality required for the Grand Vin.
  • Dedicated plots
    Some estates choose to designate specific areas exclusively reserved for the second wine. This is the case, for example, with Clos du Marquis (Léoville Las Cases), Les Tourelles de Longueville (Pichon Longueville Baron), or, in part, Les Forts de Latour.
  • Selection by vineyard plot or barrel
    It also happens that juices initially intended for the grand vin are ultimately set aside during blending tastings: slightly lower ripeness, a less convincing expression of a grape variety, insufficient balance… In vintages where selection is very strict, a significant portion of the harvest may thus be redirected to the Second Vin.

A wine in its own right

On the palate, Second Wines are often more fruity, slightly less complex, and can be enjoyed a little younger. However, these wines strictly adhere to Bordeaux traditions and are wines in their own right that will delight even the most discerning palates.

Ready to discover some hidden gems with Olala Bordeaux?

Would you to experience a custom wine bike ride through vines around Bordeaux? Olala Bordeaux would be delighted to organize a bespoke trip. See our bespoke tours and bespoke tastings.