Chateau Margaux

History of Château Margaux

Château Margaux, located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, is one of the most prestigious and historic vineyards in the world. Its history dates back to the 12th century, but it was in the 17th century that the estate flourished under the Durfort de Duras family of Scottish origin. The château gained international renown in the 18th century, notably under the ownership of the Marquis de la Colonilla, the famous proprietor of the estate. Over the centuries, Château Margaux has experienced various periods, but its reputation for excellence in producing fine wines has never waned. Under the ownership of the Mentzelopoulos family since 1977, Château Margaux is the only First Growth / Premier Grand Cru Classé in the Margaux appellation (1855 Classification) and is located in the Bordeaux region on the left bank of the Gironde.

Terroir of Château Margaux

The exceptional terroir of Château Margaux significantly contributes to the outstanding quality of its wines. The vineyard extends over deep gravel, sandy, and clay soils, rich in stones, allowing for optimal drainage and promoting the development of vine roots. The estate is mainly planted with the noble grape varieties of Bordeaux, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The privileged location of the vineyard, combined with a favorable microclimate, creates ideal conditions for grape maturation. The vineyard covers 94 hectares of vines (including 12 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc for white wine), averaging 40 years old and planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

Viticulture and Vinification at Château Margaux

Viticulture at Château Margaux is carried out with meticulous attention, using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to make the most of the exceptional Médoc terroir. Here are some key aspects of viticulture at Château Margaux:

• Climate and Terroir: The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate and deep gravel soils rich in stones. These conditions provide excellent sun exposure, optimal drainage, and promote the development of vine roots.
• Grape Varieties: Château Margaux is mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, which typically represents the majority of the grape varieties used in its wine blends. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot complement the plantation, bringing complexity and balance.
• Cultural Practices: Sustainable and environmentally friendly viticultural techniques are applied to the vineyard. Reasoned management and attention to each vine contribute to maximizing grape quality.
• Harvest: Harvest at Château Margaux is often manual, allowing for rigorous grape selection. This ensures that only the healthiest and ripest grapes are harvested.

Vinification at Château Margaux is carried out with a traditional and precise approach, highlighting the unique expression of terroir and grape varieties. Here are the key stages of vinification:

• Harvest: Hand-harvested grapes undergo meticulous sorting to eliminate any impurities. Grape quality is essential for producing exceptional wines.
• Destemming and Pressing: Grapes are destemmed to separate berries from stems. Subsequently, pressing is performed to extract juice, which serves as the base for vinification.
• Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with precise temperature control. Natural yeasts may be used to develop characteristic aromas.
• Maceration and Cuvasion: Skins remain in contact with the must during a maceration period, allowing tannins, aromas, and colors to transfer to the wine. The duration of cuvasion can vary depending on the vintage and desired style.
• Aging: The wine is transferred to French oak barrels for an aging period. Château Margaux uses new barrels sparingly to not mask the wine's characteristics.
• Blending: The final blending is the crucial step where different cuvées from specific plots are mixed to create the final wine. The expertise of the cellar master is essential at this stage.
• Bottling and Bottle Aging: Once blending is complete, the wine is bottled and undergoes a period of bottle aging, allowing aromas and flavors to develop and harmonize.

The combination of traditional practices, rigorous grape selection, and the art of blending contributes to the creation of Château Margaux's exceptional wines.

Wines of Château Margaux

The wines produced by Château Margaux are renowned for their elegance, finesse, and exceptional aging ability. The distinctive style of Château Margaux is often characterized by floral aromas, delicate red fruits, refined tannic structure, and remarkable length.

Château Margaux produces three red Bordeaux wine cuvées, including the flagship Le Grand Vin de Margaux and a second wine named Pavillon Rouge since 1908, mainly made from different plots than the Grand Vin and younger vines. A third red wine is produced, "Margaux du Château Margaux," whose exceptional 2009 vintage was the first to be marketed under this label. In addition to these three red wine cuvées, the Château has been producing a white Bordeaux wine (in the Bordeaux appellation) named Pavillon Blanc since 1978, consisting solely of Sauvignon Blanc (100%). The three red wines produced by the château are blends of four different grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (3%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). These indicative percentages may often vary depending on the vintage profile and cuvée.

Thus, the three flagship cuvées are Château Margaux, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux (second wine), and Margaux du Château Margaux (third wine).

Best Vintages of Château Margaux

Here are the vintages that have produced wines of exceptional quality, with a perfect combination of concentration, balance, and complexity. Notable vintages include 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1990, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1961, 1953. 

Robert Parker has given the 2019, 1990, 2018 and 1900 vintages of Château Margaux an excellent score of 100/100, symbolising perfection. The 2000, 2015 and 2016 vintages follow close behind with 99/100, while the 2010, 2005, 1982, 2009, 1900, 1953, 1996, 2017 and 1928 are rated 98/100, confirming the consistency of this grand cru.

The wines produced are deep and opulently rich, extraordinarily complex, with aromas of ripe cassis, blueberry, and sometimes violet, along with vanilla and spicy oak. The wine is particularly flavorful and has great aging potential (from 10 to 35 years in the cellar and more). The purity and elegance of Château Margaux wines lead enthusiasts from around the world to seek out these bottles.

How to Store Château Margaux?

Storing Château Margaux requires optimal conditions. Ideally, bottles should be stored horizontally in a temperature-controlled wine cellar with adequate humidity. A stable temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius is recommended. It is essential to protect the bottles from direct sunlight and vibrations. Château Margaux wines, especially older vintages, can benefit from bottle aging, allowing aromas and flavors to develop harmoniously.

Food and Wine Pairings with Château Margaux

Due to their finesse and elegance, Château Margaux wines pair perfectly with refined dishes. Classic pairings include grilled red meats, lamb chops, duck-based dishes, and even more delicate dishes such as beef fillet and fine cheese. The complex flavors of Château Margaux can also be enjoyed with international cuisine, offering culinary versatility.

Pavillon Rouge and Pavillon Blanc

The second wine, Pavillon Rouge, is also particularly high quality and has excellent aging potential for a second wine (from 10 to 20 years). The third wine, "Margaux du Château Margaux," has a softer style. As for Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux, it is reputed to be one of the best white wines in Bordeaux and is rare and sought after.

Buy Château Margaux and other First Growth from Bordeaux 

Vins et Millésimes also features the other Grands Crus Classés of Bordeaux: Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Figeac, Haut Brion, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Mouton Rothschild,Pavie and Yquem!

Interested in buying a bottle of Château Margaux wine? Explore the Vins & Millésimes selection of estate wines! Old vintages, anniversary vintages, magnums... Buying wine online has never been easier! Always 100% in stock, with fast shipping and the best prices!