Chateau Margaux

Margaux

Location: Chateau Margaux is located in the commune of Margaux, Bordeaux. (Appellation Margaux Controlée). Chateau Margaux has the unique privilege in Bordeaux of bearing the name of its appellation d'origine.

Classification: First Growth

Second label: Pavillon Rouge de Chateau Margaux

Grape variety: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.  Average vine age at Chateau Margaux is 35 years.

History: Chateau Margaux was founded in the 1400's.  Once the residence of Edward III, King of England, it was one of the most stately fortified chateaux in Guyenne. Over the centuries, the property changed ownership several times. In 1804, the Marquis of La Colonilla acquired the property, razed the old Gothic manor-house and built in its place the chateau which still stands today.

In 1977 the property was purchased by Laura and Andre Mentzelopoulos. Lavish amounts of money were immediately spent on the vineyards and the winemaking facilities. Emile Peynaud was retained as a consultant to oversee the vinification of the wine. Apprehensive observers expected it would take several vintages before all the improvements would show up in the wine. It took just one vintage, 1978, for the world to see just how great Chateau Margaux could be. Unfortunately, Andre Mentzelopoulos died before he could see the fruits of his labor. His wife Laura and daughter Corinne run the show now with the expertise of the winemaking team of director Paul Pontallier, cellar master Jean Grangerou and consulting oenologist Emile Peynaud.

Vinification and aging: Time honored techniques still prevail here. Harvesting of the grapes are always done by hand so as to discard grapes that are overripe or unripe. The wine is fermented in oak vats. Once the assemblage has been performed , the wine is placed in new oak barrels from the Troncais Forest for two years. These barrels are always new and most are handcrafted by the estate's cooper. Racked several times and clarified with six egg whites per barrel after one year.

Style: Chateau Margaux makes wine that is opulent and rich. A multidimensional bouquet with a fragrance of ripe black currants, spicy vanilla oakiness and violets.

Food: A perfect complement to lamb, veal, poultry and delicate game.

19 Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris, France
Phone: 33-1-44-434-320
Fax: 33-1-47-233-415
Margaux by clicking here.