This grand chateau is one of the prestigious First Growths, anointed in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the region.
This grand chateau is one of the prestigious First Growths, anointed in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and is one of the most beautiful buildings in the region.
Its history dates back to the 12th century, when it was called ‘La Mothe de Margaux’, but it didn’t gained its reputation as a producer of fine wines until the late 17th century when Chateau Margaux was created. The wonderful neo-palladian chateau, designed by Louis Combes, was built in 1810, and the estate passed through many hands until 1977, when purchased by current owners the Mentzelopoulos family. The vineyards and winemaking facilities were restored at great expense, and the world-famous French oenologist Emile Peynaud was retained as consultant winemaker.
Today, the vineyards cover 82-hectares consisting of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, and 5% cabernet franc and petit verdot, with an average vine age of 35-years. The annual production of the Grand Vin is approximately 200,000 bottles, as is the production of the second wine ‘Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux’. The estate also makes a white wine, ‘Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux’ from 100% sauvignon blanc, and a third label red wine ‘Margaux du Chateau Margaux’ was created in 2009.
Paul Pontallier has been winemaker for over 30-years and during that time he changed the style of Chateau Margaux from a feminine, delicate wine, to today’s more opulent, rich style that still retains its elegant, perfumed beauty.
The top recent vintages are 2010, 2009, 2008, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1986, 1985, 1983 and 1982.
