Boyd Cantenac

History of Château Boyd-Cantenac

The history of Château Boyd-Cantenac begins in 1754, when Jacques Boyd, esquire of a prominent Scottish merchant family, acquired lands in Cantenac. The Boyd family, established in Bordeaux since the 17th century, was already connected to the region through its involvement in international trade, particularly with Scotland and Ireland. The estate quickly gained success due to its quality wines, to the extent that in 1776, the broker Labadie classified this growth among the best in the region.

After a tumultuous period marked by the French Revolution, the estate was sold in 1806 to John Lewis Brown, a member of the famous Bordeaux Brown family. Already owner of Château Brown, he saw in the Boyd estate an opportunity to consolidate his family's viticultural heritage. In 1855, Château Boyd-Cantenac was officially recognised during the great classification of Médoc wines as a Third Grand Cru Classé. However, over the years, the estate suffered several setbacks, particularly due to the viticultural crises that struck Bordeaux at the end of the 19th century.

Reconstituted by the Laurent and Ginestet families at the beginning of the 20th century, the estate experienced a new lease of life in 1932 when it was acquired by the Guillemet family, who still own it to this day. Thanks to Lucien Guillemet's vision, the estate has established itself as an essential reference in the Margaux appellation, while maintaining an approach respectful of its terroir and nature.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Boyd-Cantenac

The vineyard of Château Boyd-Cantenac rests on a unique and remarkable terroir on the left bank. Located on poor and draining siliceous gravel soils from the Quaternary period, this soil offers an ideal environment for the vine. The gravel, small stones that store the sun's heat during the day and release it during the night, promote optimal grape maturation, particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety of the estate.

With a planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare and an average vine age of 38 years, the estate aims to obtain concentrated and balanced grapes. The grape variety composition of Château Boyd-Cantenac is typical of the Margaux appellation, with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), complemented by Merlot (24%) and Petit Verdot (9%). This blend of grape varieties gives the wines a robust tannic structure, lovely freshness and exceptional ageing potential.

The estate is also committed to environmentally friendly viticulture. For over forty years, no chemical fertilisers have been used; the soils are enriched by the addition of natural composts, promoting biodiversity and preserving the ecosystem. Moreover, the fight against parasites and pests is conducted in a reasoned manner, limiting the use of phytosanitary products to the strict minimum.

Vinification at Château Boyd-Cantenac

Vinification at Château Boyd-Cantenac is a meticulous process aimed at sublimating the potential of each plot. The harvest is carried out exclusively by hand, allowing for rigorous sorting of the bunches to retain only the best grapes. The Merlots, the earliest-ripening variety, are harvested first, followed by the Cabernets, and the duration of the harvest varies from 10 to 25 days depending on the maturity of the different grape varieties.

The grapes are then transferred to cement and stainless steel vats, where fermentation and maceration take place. The latter is adjusted according to the vintage and can last from 8 to 35 days. The pumping over technique is used to optimise the extraction of tannins and aromas, while taking care to preserve the wine's balance. Particular attention is paid to young vines, from which extractions are lighter to obtain fruity and less complex wines, which will enter the blend of the second wines.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in vats, softening the wines and giving them more roundness. Ageing, meanwhile, takes place in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new (80 to 100% depending on the vintage). This barrel ageing, lasting 12 to 18 months, allows the wines to develop complex aromas and refine their tannic structure.

The Cuvées of Château Boyd-Cantenac

Château Boyd-Cantenac produces several emblematic cuvées, each reflecting the exceptional terroir of the Margaux appellation and the unique expertise of the estate.

Château Boyd-Cantenac: The estate's grand vin, produced from the best plots and oldest vines. With a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is powerful, structured and has great ageing potential. It is distinguished by aromas of black fruits, spices and a long finish, marked by silky tannins.

Jacques Boyd: The estate's second wine, often produced from young vines. More accessible in its youth, it offers a fruity and elegant profile while retaining the finesse and balance typical of Margaux wines.

Josephine de Boyd-Cantenac and La Croix de Boyd-Cantenac: Two other secondary cuvées from the estate, which highlight the freshness and deliciousness of the grape varieties, with a lighter tannic structure, ideal for earlier consumption.

Clos Maucaillou: The estate also produces this cuvée under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation, offering an accessible alternative to Margaux wines while maintaining quality expertise.

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.

We invite you to discover the various Third Growth Classified Châteaux, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Set out to encounter the great terroirs of Margaux with the prestigious Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferrière, Château Giscours, Château d'Issan, Château Kirwan, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Château Marquis d'Alesme and Château Palmer. Continue your journey with the wines of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Château Lagrange and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien, not forgetting the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises you an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of Médoc wines.

Château Boyd-Cantenac is a hidden treasure of the Margaux appellation, offering wines that combine power, elegance and complexity. Since its creation in the 18th century, the estate has adapted to the evolution of the wine world while maintaining an artisanal approach respectful of nature and terroir. Each vintage is a tribute to ancestral expertise and the specific climatic conditions that give these wines their unique character. Whether you are a lover of wines for ageing or looking for a refined wine for a special occasion, the cuvées of Château Boyd-Cantenac will delight your palate and transport you to the heart of the Médoc, in one of the most prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux.