Issan

History of Château d'Issan

The history of Château d'Issan is primarily a tale of transmission and continuity. This wine estate traces its origins to the 12th century, under the name "La Mothe-Cantenac". It was during this period that the estate's wine is said to have been served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, future King Henry II of England, in 1152. This fact, whether legendary or historical, already anchors the estate in the history of great Bordeaux wines from its inception.

Over the following centuries, the property was passed down through generations, shaped by many influential families such as the Noailhans, Meyracs, Ségurs and Salignacs. However, it was from 1575, under the aegis of the d'Essenault family, that the estate took its current name. By contraction of the name d'Essenault, "Château d'Issan" was born, marking the beginning of a new era for the vineyard.

Château d'Issan did not wait for the famous 1855 classification to distinguish itself as a 3rd Grand Cru Classé. It already enjoyed a solid reputation, notably thanks to its wine, which conquered royal tables, such as that of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. After a period of decline in the early 20th century, the château was purchased in 1945 by the Cruse family. Under the direction of Lionel Cruse, then his son Emmanuel Cruse from 1998, the estate regained its former glory. In 2012, the Lorenzetti family joined forces with the Cruses, providing crucial support for the estate's revival.

The 2005 vintage of Château d'Issan received a 96/100 from Robert Parker, highlighting the depth and balance of this exceptional wine from the Margaux appellation.

Terroirs and Vines of Château d'Issan

Château d'Issan benefits from an exceptional terroir on the left bank, ideally situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation, less than a kilometre from the famous Château Margaux. The estate spans 53 hectares, of which 52 are dedicated to wine production under the Margaux appellation. The soil is primarily composed of gravel rich in pebbles, offering perfect conditions for grape maturation, while the clay at depth helps preserve the vines' freshness.

This unique terroir is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot (35%), emblematic grape varieties of the region. The vines, averaging 35 years old, are cultivated according to biodynamic principles, although certification is not yet in place. Some of the oldest vines date back more than 70 years, offering grapes of exceptional quality.

The vineyard is divided into several distinct plots, each with specific soil and subsoil characteristics. This diversity allows Château d'Issan to produce balanced wines, combining power, finesse and remarkable longevity.

Vinification at Château d'Issan

Vinification at Château d'Issan combines tradition and innovation, aiming to reveal the full authenticity of the Margaux terroir. The harvest is carried out manually, with a double selective sorting to ensure grape quality. Once sorted, the berries are vatted by gravity into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to respect the identity of each plot.

Fermentation takes place in two recently renovated vat rooms, where pumping over and temperature controls allow for the extraction of the finest tannins. This crucial stage lasts between 18 and 24 days, depending on the vintage. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new, for a period of 16 to 18 months. This ageing phase, essential for Grand Cru Classés, is carried out with care and precision to offer wines with complex structure, subtle aromas and silky texture.

The technical teams, under the direction of Éric Pellon and in collaboration with consulting oenologist Éric Boissenot, ensure that each vintage is a faithful reflection of the Margaux terroir. Each blend is meticulously crafted, guaranteeing the consistent quality of Château d'Issan wines.

The Cuvées of Château d'Issan

Château d'Issan offers several cuvées, each representing a unique expression of its terroir.

Château d'Issan  

The estate's first wine embodies the excellence of the Margaux appellation. Primarily from old vines in the historic enclosure, this wine is distinguished by its finesse, suppleness and elegance. It is composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot. Its ageing potential is exceptional, and it evolves gracefully over the years. This wine is aged in barrels for 16 to 18 months, with 50% new wood.

Blason d'Issan  

The château's second wine, Blason d'Issan was created in 1995 to showcase the estate's younger vines. This wine, more accessible than the first, offers aromas of round and moreish fruits while retaining the Margaux identity. It is also aged in barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 35% new wood. Its annual production is about 120,000 bottles.

Haut-Médoc d'Issan  

Produced from plots located 5 km west of the estate, in the Haut-Médoc appellation, this cuvée is primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is produced in limited quantities, with about 18,000 bottles per year. This wine is distinguished by its elegant structure, typical of Médoc wines.

Moulin d'Issan (Bordeaux Supérieur)  

This cuvée, produced since 1988, comes from the plots closest to the Gironde estuary, in the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. The clay-limestone soil is perfectly suited to the Merlot grape variety, which generally represents 90% of the blend. Moulin d'Issan is a supple and fruity wine, offering a lovely roundness. It is produced in about 40,000 bottles each year.

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 d'Issan is a true gem of the Margaux appellation, embodying the tradition and excellence of the Grand Cru Classés. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, precise vinification and family expertise, its wines are distinguished by their elegance, finesse and ageing potential. Whether you choose Château d'Issan, Blason d'Issan or another cuvée, each bottle tells a story rich in more than eight centuries, celebrating the nobility of the Margaux terroir.