Chateau du Tertre

History of Château du Tertre

Château du Tertre derives its name from its unique geographical position, situated on one of the highest points in the commune of Arsac, within the Margaux appellation. This estate has a history dating back to the 12th century, but its ascent to international recognition truly began in the 18th century. Pierre Mitchell, a British industrialist pioneering glass production in Bordeaux, acquired the estate and saw wine production as an ideal complement to his glassmaking business. He is even reputed to have bottled some of the estate's first vintages, an innovative practice for the time.

Classified as a Fifth Growth in the prestigious 1855 classification, Château du Tertre has weathered the ages despite numerous challenges. The arrival of phylloxera in the 19th century, followed by economic crises and world wars, severely affected the estate, which fell into a state of disrepair by the end of the 20th century.

The turning point came in 1997 when the estate was purchased by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, who also owned Château Giscours. Under his guidance and that of oenologist Jacques Pélissier, the estate was completely renovated, both in terms of its technical facilities and its vineyard. Since 2021, Château du Tertre has been under the direction of the Helfrich family, famous in the wine world for their Grands Chais de France, who now oversee its operation for a return to the pinnacle of quality.

Terroirs and Vines of Château du Tertre

Château du Tertre benefits from an exceptional Left Bank terroir, situated on two gravel mounds, one of the highest points in the Margaux appellation. This elevation, combined with a soil of sandy-clay gravel, allows for excellent water regulation and optimal drainage, ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The vineyard spans 52 hectares in a single block, a rare feature in Margaux, and has not changed in size since the famous 1855 classification.

The grape varieties at Château du Tertre consist of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. This varied blend allows for the production of complex and balanced wines with a well-defined tannic structure. On average, the vines are about 40 years old, but some, particularly the Cabernet Francs, are much older and come from massal selections.

Environmental commitment is also a priority for the estate. Since 2008, part of the vineyard has been managed according to biodynamic principles, and today, 11 hectares are certified biodynamic whilst the other plots are cultivated using sustainable viticulture. This environmentally respectful approach improves wine quality while preserving the terroir for future generations.

Vinification at Château du Tertre

The winemaking techniques at Château du Tertre combine tradition and modernity. After meticulous manual harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted before being transported by gravity into concrete, wooden, or stainless steel vats for fermentation. This process preserves the purity of the fruit and avoids any crushing of the berries, thus ensuring better extraction of aromas.

The wines are aged for 15 to 17 months in French oak barrels, of which about 45% are renewed each year. This moderate use of wood helps preserve the balance between fruit and woody aromas, providing a nice tannic structure whilst avoiding masking the subtleties of the terroir.

Innovation is also present, with the use of egg-shaped cement vats for certain vinifications. These vats, particularly appreciated for their ability to add minerality to the wine, are increasingly used to further refine the profile of the estate's cuvées.

The Cuvées of Château du Tertre

Château du Tertre

The grand vin of Château du Tertre is a powerful, complex, and refined Margaux. Composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine is distinguished by its aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and tobacco. On the palate, it reveals a well-balanced tannic structure, with a nice freshness on the finish. This wine, typical of the Margaux appellation, is made to age and gain complexity over time.

Les Hauts du Tertre

The estate's second wine, Les Hauts du Tertre, offers a more accessible expression of the terroir whilst retaining the elegance and finesse that characterise Château du Tertre. Composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it presents aromas of fresh red fruits and sweet spices, with a supple and harmonious palate. This wine is ideal for earlier consumption, whilst still having good ageing potential.

Château du Tertre (white)

Less known than the red wines, the white wine of Château du Tertre is an atypical cuvée for the appellation. Made from a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 28% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Viognier, and 12% Gros Manseng, this white wine reveals great aromatic complexity, mixing notes of citrus, white flowers, and exotic fruits. Its palate is fresh, lively, and mineral, with a nice length on the finish. This unique white is a rarity to discover.

The finest vintages of Margaux, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wines, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years are 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. Recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly regarded for their structure and richness. Other years such as 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 confirm Margaux's consistency in producing exceptional wines, symbolising Bordeaux excellence.

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 du Tertre is a historic estate that has managed to traverse the centuries while remaining at the forefront of innovation. Its wines, produced from exceptional terroir and ancestral know-how, are a true expression of the Margaux appellation. With elegant and complex cuvées, Château du Tertre continues to seduce wine lovers worldwide. Whether for their ageing potential or their aromatic finesse, the wines of Château du Tertre are essential for any enthusiast of great Bordeaux wines.