Chateau Margaux

Château Margaux is one of those names in the wine world that instantly sparks the imagination. A stately château, centuries of history, and wines that rank among the very best of Bordeaux.

History of Château Margaux

The roots of Château Margaux go back to the Middle Ages, when the estate was still known as Lamothe. In the 16th century, the Lestonnac family began transforming the land into a vineyard with serious ambition. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands many times, but the reputation steadily grew. In the early 19th century, the Marquis de la Colonilla built the current château, a refined neo-Palladian building that still dominates the skyline of Margaux today.

In 1855, Château Margaux was classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé, the highest ranking in the famous Bordeaux classification. Yet the estate also faced harder times. In the 1970s its reputation began to fade, until Greek businessman André Mentzelopoulos revived it. Since then, Château Margaux has remained tied to his family and is now run by his daughter Corinne and her children.

Location and terroir of Château Margaux

The estate lies in the Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde, within the Margaux AOC. This appellation is known for elegant and refined red wines. The soil at Château Margaux is distinctive: deep layers of gravel with touches of clay and limestone. The gravel provides excellent drainage, forcing the vines to root deeply. This results in grapes with great concentration and tension, the foundation of the estate’s renowned wines.

Grape varieties of Château Margaux

As is typical in the Médoc, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead. Around three-quarters of the vineyards are planted with it. Merlot makes up about twenty percent, with smaller plots of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This blend gives the wines both power and finesse. For whites there’s a rare exception: Pavillon Blanc, made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, grown on a smaller plot next to the red vineyards.

Château Margaux wine styles

The most famous wine is of course the Grand Vin de Château Margaux. Then there is Pavillon Rouge, the second wine often made from younger vines or parcels that don’t make it into the first selection. More recently, a third label has been added: Margaux du Château Margaux. For white wine lovers there is Pavillon Blanc, praised for its freshness and long ageing potential.

Winemaking combines tradition and modern technique. The red wines age for about one and a half to two years in new French oak, giving them depth and complexity. The white wine is aged for a shorter time, preserving its lively character. A special detail: Château Margaux even has its own cooperage, giving them full control over the quality of their barrels.

Interesting facts

• Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, praised Château Margaux in the 18th century as one of the finest wines of Bordeaux.
• The château itself is a listed historical monument and is often described as one of the most beautiful wine estates in France.
• In 2015, a new tasting and research building was unveiled, designed by British architect Norman Foster, blending tradition and innovation.

Order Château Margaux online?

At Grandcruwijnen you can safely order Château Margaux. The wines are stored in a conditioned Wine Warehouse to ensure perfect preservation. If you select ‘Pick up’ during checkout, you’ll instantly see a discount. Convenient and cost-effective.