Cantemerle

History of Château Cantemerle

The history of Château Cantemerle dates back to the Middle Ages, with the first mention of the Cantemerle seigniory as early as 1147. Originally, the property was part of the fortifications defending the banks of the Médoc. It wasn't until the 16th century that viticulture became the main activity of the estate, when Jehan de Villeneuve acquired the property in 1579.

Under the management of the Villeneuve de Durfort family, who took possession of the château in 1600, the estate experienced a period of prosperity, particularly in the 19th century. During this time, Château Cantemerle distinguished itself not only by the quality of its wines but also by viticultural innovations such as sulphur trials in 1852 to combat powdery mildew. This prestige was crowned in 1855 when the estate was classified as a 5th Grand Cru Classé during the famous Bordeaux classification.

However, the end of the 19th century marked a difficult period for Cantemerle, struck by the phylloxera crisis and downy mildew. The estate was sold in 1892 to the Dubos family but struggled to regain its former glory. It wasn't until 1981, with the acquisition by the mutual insurance company SMABTP, that Château Cantemerle began a process of renaissance. Since then, heavy investments have been made to modernise facilities, replant vines, and improve wine quality, under the direction of important figures such as Philippe Dambrine (1993-2021) and now Laure Canu.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Cantemerle

The vineyard of Château Cantemerle spans 95 hectares of deep gravel, an exceptional terroir for viticulture. These silica-gravel soils, composed of pebbles, sand, and stones, allow the vines to benefit from perfect drainage, while the heat accumulated during the day is returned to the grapes at night, promoting optimal ripening. This unique terroir of the left bank is one of the secrets behind the complexity and elegance of Cantemerle wines.

The vineyard is planted with the noble grape varieties of the Médoc: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.

The average age of the vines is 35 years, with some Cabernet Sauvignon plantings nearly 70 years old. These deep-rooted vines fully express the character of the terroir, producing grapes of remarkable concentration, particularly suited to the elaboration of complex and balanced wines.

Vinification at Château Cantemerle

Vinification at Château Cantemerle follows a meticulous process, combining tradition and modernity. The harvest is done manually, with rigorous sorting in the vineyard to select the best grapes. Vinification is carried out separately for each plot, allowing the preservation of each terroir's identity. The grapes are fermented in wooden, cement, or stainless steel vats, thus offering maximum flexibility for each batch.

Malolactic fermentation is carried out in vats, and the wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 16 months, with a new wood rate varying between 40% and 50%, depending on the vintage. This step allows for the refinement of tannins and gives the wine its silky texture and ageing capacity. Once ageing is complete, the wines are blended, clarified, and bottled at the château. This rigorous process ensures consistent quality, vintage after vintage.

The Cuvées of Château Cantemerle

Château Cantemerle produces two main cuvées, each representing a unique aspect of the estate.

Château Cantemerle - The Grand Vin

The estate's main wine, Château Cantemerle, represents about 70% of the annual production. This wine comes from old vines, with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, offering an elegant and complex structure.

Ageing is carried out for 12 months in French oak barrels (35% new), then 4 months in vats after blending.

Château Cantemerle is distinguished by its aromas of ripe red fruits, subtle spicy and woody notes, and beautiful freshness on the palate. The tannins are fine, promising excellent evolution with age. This wine is both digestible and refined, a perfect balance between power and elegance.

Les Allées de Cantemerle - Second Wine

Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, mainly from young vines. This wine, more accessible than the Grand Vin, is characterised by a fruitier and more immediate style, ideal for earlier consumption.

Ageing of 16 months in vats for 50% of the volume, the rest in three-year-old barrels.

More supple and fruity than the Grand Vin, Les Allées de Cantemerle is a charming wine with aromas of black fruits, violet, and a discreet woody touch. It is appreciated for its freshness and drinkability.

Haut-Médoc, one of the prestigious appellations of the Bordeaux vineyard, is renowned for producing remarkable wines, particularly during its finest vintages. Among the most notable are emblematic years such as 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990, which have left their mark on fine wine enthusiasts. Other exceptional vintages include 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, each recognised for its balance and depth. More recently, the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 continue this tradition, with particularly elegant and promising wines. These vintages offer an exceptional range of flavours and longevity, reinforcing Bordeaux's reputation as a global reference in wine-making.

The Fifth Classified Growths offer a beautiful diversity of properties in the Médoc, testifying to Bordeaux's winemaking expertise. In Pauillac, one finds renowned estates such as Château d'Armailhac, Château Batailley, Château Clerc Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Château Haut-Batailley, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Lynch-Moussas, Château Pedesclaux, and Château Pontet-Canet. In the Haut-Médoc, Château Camensac and Château Cantemerle stand out with their own characteristics. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre bring a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory from Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of the Bordeaux terroir.

Château Cantemerle is today one of the jewels of the Haut-Médoc, combining tradition and modernity to produce high-quality wines. With an exceptional terroir, rigorous viticultural practices, and talented management, the estate continues to evolve and seduce wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it's the Grand Vin, powerful and refined, or the second wine, fruity and accessible, the wines of Château Cantemerle are an invitation to discover all the richness of the great classified growths of the Médoc, at a most attractive value for money.