Kirwan

History of Château Kirwan

The history of Château Kirwan begins in 1710 with the purchase of the estate by Sir John Collingwood, a renowned English merchant established in Bordeaux. The estate, then called Château de La Salle, took a decisive turn when Sir John's daughter married an Irish merchant named Mark Kirwan in 1760. The latter took the reins of the property and in 1775, he decided to rename the estate after himself, thus giving birth to Château Kirwan.

The reputation of the property grew quickly. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson, then ambassador of the United States to France and future president, ranked "Quirouen" (as he called it) among the second-rank grands crus during his visit to the region. This prestigious opinion further reinforced Kirwan's notoriety, already recognised for the quality of its wines. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands several times. In 1925, it was finally acquired by the Schÿler family, an influential trading house in Bordeaux. Since then, Château Kirwan has remained in the hands of this family, who have modernised the estate while perpetuating the wine-making tradition.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Kirwan

Château Kirwan now extends over 37 hectares of the left bank, with a particularly well-situated vineyard on the gravelly plateau of Cantenac, in the south of the Margaux appellation. This privileged location benefits from an exceptional terroir composed of deep gravel and clay-limestone soils, offering optimal drainage for vine cultivation and allowing the grape varieties to fully flourish.

The vineyard is planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. This subtle blend allows for the production of wines with great aromatic complexity, typical of the Margaux style, combining elegance, finesse and depth. The average age of the vines is 37 years, which contributes to consistency in the quality of the wines. The plots are maintained with the utmost care, and a high planting density (10,000 vines per hectare) allows for the concentration of flavours in the grapes, while preserving the estate's biodiversity.

Winemaking at Château Kirwan

The winemaking process at Château Kirwan reflects a balance between tradition and modernity. The Schÿler family has undertaken significant renovations to the estate's infrastructure, notably with the creation of a new ultra-modern winery inaugurated in 2017. This facility allows for plot-by-plot vinification, a key process for expressing the full richness of the terroir.

Château Kirwan practises co-inoculation, a technique that involves carrying out alcoholic and malolactic fermentation simultaneously, thus ensuring better integration of aromas and greater freshness in the wines. The wines are then aged for 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, to bring complexity and structure without masking the natural characteristics of the fruit.

Renowned oenologist Eric Boissenot, accompanied by Philippe Delfaut, technical director of the estate since 2008, ensures the maintenance of a refined and balanced style, highlighting the purity of the fruit and freshness. This meticulous attention to detail in the winemaking process allows Château Kirwan to produce wines that age admirably, while remaining accessible in their youth.

The Cuvées of Château Kirwan

Château Kirwan offers several cuvées, the most emblematic of which is its grand vin, followed by its second wine. Each vintage testifies to the estate's expertise and commitment to excellence.

Château Kirwan (Grand Vin)

This 3rd classified growth of Margaux is distinguished by its balance and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon generally dominates the blend, offering powerful aromas of black fruits, cedar and spices, supported by silky tannins and a beautiful length on the palate. The 2020 vintage, for example, is praised for its brilliance and structure, while the 2021 charms with its finesse and freshness, with juicy notes of red fruits and a saline finish.

Les Charmes de Kirwan (Second Wine)

Since 1993, the estate has been producing this more accessible second wine, which seduces with its fruity and immediate character. Blended from the estate's young vines, it offers a beautiful preview of the house style while being more approachable. Les Charmes de Kirwan 2020, for example, already reveals aromas of ripe red fruits and a lovely freshness on the palate.

Le Blanc de Kirwan

In 2023, Château Kirwan innovated by producing a 100% Chardonnay white wine, a rare addition in a region known for its reds. This white wine, the result of meticulous winemaking, offers a unique aromatic expression with notes of white fruits and an elegant minerality.

Each cuvée from Château Kirwan reflects the identity and authenticity of the Margaux terroir, while bringing a touch of modernity. The attention paid to every detail, from the vineyard to the cellar, guarantees wines of great quality, regularly praised by critics.

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 Kirwan embodies the Bordeaux wine tradition combined with innovation. Under the direction of the Schÿler family, this historic estate continues to shine on the international stage thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. Whether with its grand vin Château Kirwan, or its second wine Les Charmes de Kirwan, the estate offers wines of great finesse and elegance that reflect the best of the Margaux terroir. For lovers of great Bordeaux wines, Château Kirwan represents a sure value, both for its prestigious history and the quality of its wines, each vintage being the fruit of meticulous work. Offering excellent ageing potential, Château Kirwan wines are welcome both in collectors' cellars and on the best tables.