Château Margaux

A renowned wine estate in the Bordeaux region of France

Château Margaux is a prestigious wine estate located in the Bordeaux region of France, specifically in the Margaux appellation of the Haut-Médoc area. Known for producing some of the finest wines in the world, Château Margaux has a rich history that dates back several centuries.

History

The history of Château Margaux can be traced back to the 12th century, although it became a significant wine-producing estate in the 16th century. The estate was originally known as "La Mothe de Margaux" and was owned by the Lestonnac family. In the 18th century, the estate was acquired by the Marquis de la Colonilla, who commissioned the construction of the neoclassical château that stands today.

The exterior of Château Margaux

In 1855, during the Exposition Universelle in Paris, Château Margaux was classified as a First Growth, a testament to its exceptional quality and reputation. The estate has changed hands several times over the centuries, with the Mentzelopoulos family acquiring it in 1977. Under their stewardship, Château Margaux has continued to uphold its legacy of excellence.

Vineyards

Château Margaux's vineyards cover approximately 262 hectares, with 87 hectares dedicated to the production of red wine. The vineyards are planted with a variety of grape types, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate also produces a small amount of white wine from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

The terroir of Château Margaux is characterized by its gravelly soil, which provides excellent drainage and contributes to the unique flavor profile of the wines. The estate employs traditional viticultural practices, combined with modern techniques, to ensure the highest quality of grapes.

Winemaking

The winemaking process at Château Margaux is a blend of tradition and innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted meticulously to ensure only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in a combination of oak vats and stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise control over the process.

A vintage card of Château Margaux from 1931

The wines are aged in new French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, during which they develop their complex flavors and aromas. The estate produces three main wines: the grand vin, Château Margaux; a second wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux; and a white wine, Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux.

Notable Vintages

Château Margaux is renowned for its exceptional vintages, with some of the most celebrated being 1900, 1928, 1945, 1961, 1982, 1990, and 2000. Each vintage reflects the unique climatic conditions of the year, as well as the meticulous care taken in the vineyard and winery.

A bottle of Château Margaux from 1960

Cultural Significance

Château Margaux has been featured in numerous literary works and films, symbolizing luxury and refinement. Its reputation as a producer of some of the finest wines in the world has made it a sought-after label among collectors and connoisseurs.

Related pages

• Bordeaux wine regions
• Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• French wine

A bottle of Château Margaux from 1994

External links

• Official website of Château Margaux