Perhaps the most lauded growing region on earth, Bordeaux lies in southwestern France. It’s western border touches the Atlantic Ocean, and the sea air has a major effect on the climate and the vineyards. The Gironde River, which emerges from the Atlantic, divides Bordeaux into two distinct sets of terroir: the Left Bank and Right Bank. Both sides make up a complex system of 57 different appellations and micro appellations. These support 13,000 wine growers covering 30,000 acres.

Château des Laurets (Rothschild) is located on the Right Bank, in the micro-appellation of Puisseguin-St. Émilion, which itself is in the larger appellation of St. Émilion. Like its fellow Right Bank wineries, Château des Laurets (Rothschild) relies heavily on Merlot as the dominant grape varietal. The clay- and limestone-lined soil in this micro-appellation help foster the growth of Merlot, a grape that also prefers the somewhat cooler soil temperature found in St. Émilion.

The close proximity of two water systems — ocean and rivers — help moderate the weather in the Bordeaux region. While winters are short and often mild, the maritime climate can further inhibit the danger of frosts. The nearby ocean and river systems can also increase humidity in the summers, and prolong mild weather in the autumn.