Location:
Chateau Giscours is located in the commune of Labarde-Margaux.
This is in the Bordeaux
region of Southwest France.
Classification:
Third
Growth
Vineyards:
More than 80 hectares of vines on a total area of 300 hectares.
The topography of the vineyards is a series of 4 gravel rises
that supply good drainage for the vines. Below the gravel is
a subsoil layer of coarse sand. The vineyards are planted to
51% Cabernet
Sauvignon and 32% Merlot
and a 17% mix of Cabernet
Franc and Petit
Verdot. The vine density varies between 8,300 and
10,000 vines per hectare.
Production
and Vinification: Produces 25,000 cases per year .
History:
Chateau Giscours dates back to the early 14th century. Records
of a sale of the property in 1552 tell us that the estate was
already recognized for it's winegrowing. The estate was taken
from the Saint-Simon family by the revolutionary council in
1789. Among the series of families who owned Chateau Giscours
after the revolution was the Count de Pescatore. The Count was
a wealthy Parisian banker who rebuilt the château in 1847 in
preparation for a visit by Empress Eugénie. When the Classification
of the Medoc in 1855 took place, Chateau Giscours was recognized
for its quality by being designated as a 3rd Growth. There was
another series of owners of the chateau who each contributed
to its general decline. This lasted until after the end of World
War II when Chateau Giscours was sold to Nicolas Tari. He began
a serious renovation of the estate and also created a man-made
lake. During this period, the chateau was completely renovated
and the vineyards were replanted with a more beneficial mix
of varieties. After Tan experienced financial problems, Eric
Albada Jelgersma became a majority shareholder in the S.A.E
du Château GISCOURS. The new ownership was interested in improving
the wine that came from the estate. Further investments were
made in the chateau, the vineyards and the winemaking processes.
Eric Albada Jelgersma now owns virtually all the holdings of
the S.A.E du Château GISCOURS.
Style:
Ch. Giscours is characterized
by a very deep color, very intense and concentrated flavors,
and a rich construction that is high in tannin.