Producer Profile: Chateau Margaux

Centuries of History

Chateau Margaux

Known since the 12th Century as La Mothe de Margaux, Chateaux Margaux was not always a wine producing estate. This practice was slowly cultivated over time by a number of significant Lords.  However, it was the family Lestonnac, who in 1572 developed the great estate as we know it today. Over the course of ten years they completely restructured the property and abandoned the growing of grains in favor of cultivating vines. At the end of the 17^th Century, Chateau Margaux covered 265 hectares of which one-third were planted with vines.  In the decades following, both ancestral know-how and innovation lead to the creation of a wine of great excellence.  This long standing commitment to dedication was awarded in 1855 during the Classification, when Chateau Margaux received a mark of 20 out of 20 and was designated a Premier Grand Cru Classé.

The Mentzelopoulos Influence

Corinne Mentzelopoulos

In 1977, André Mentzelopoulos, a business man of Greek origin, owner of the grocery chain Felix Pontin, acquired the property. At this time the wines of Bordeaux were experiencing both an economic and qualitative crisis, and as such investors were not interested in the great classified growths. But André Mentzelopoulos was a lover of wine and held certain affection for this particular property. Rising to the challenge, he invested heavily in the property with drainage renovations and replantings. As a reward for his bold risk-taking, his first vintage, 1978, was hailed as exceptional.

Unfortunately, this visionary died two short years later. But the entrepreneurial footsteps he established at Margaux were not forgotten. His daughter Corinne, despite her young age, decided to take up the reigns of managing the estate and perpetuated the passion and the dreams of her father. Having already worked for the family company, she wisely sought the council of her father’s advisors, notably Paul Pontallier. As such the team was uniquely poised to take advantage of the explosion of global demand for Bordeaux wines after the 1982 Vintage, hailed as the “vintage of the century.” The already grate reputation of this estate continued to grow thanks to the quality of the vintages, particularly the 2009 and 2010. At the beginning of the 1990’s, Corinne Mentzelopoulos established a partnership with Gianni Agnelli, president of Italian car manufacturer Fiat. This management partnership, which lasted until 2003, when Corinne purchased the Agnelli family shares to become the sole owner of the estate.

“La motte de Margaux”

Vineyard plot of Chateau Margaux

This great wine from the appellation of Margaux is the result of a combination of excellent terroir and careful vinification. The remarkably terrain falls in a relatively flat region of the Medoc, thus permitting excellent drainage. Here they cultivate only those varietals ideally suited for the land and in ideal conditions. The soil is truly important here. In fact, it is the subtle differences between the two parcels that creates a substantial difference in the wines. As such the blending is done by parcel and is the object of very careful attention. Here we must juggle generous fruitiness of Merlot, the delicate sweetness of Cabernet Sauvignon and strength of the markedly singular Petit Verdot.

The Margaux Style

Ch. Margaux Cellar

Recognized since the 17th century as one of the greatest wines in the world, Château Margaux has unique quality and characteristics.  A blend of complexity, subtlety, density and freshness, this wine seduces with its exceptional tannic concentration.  With a long finish and a remarkable presence, its aging potential has already been proven. An extrodinarry marriage of terroir and passion is also found in the second wine Le Pavillon Rouge and the 100% Sauvignon Blanc Pavillon Blanc. The Pavillon Rouge, which first appeared in the 19^th Century, has contributed greatly to the quality reputation of Chateau Margaux. Fruity and tannic, this wine does not have the richness of its classified counterpart, but it strives hard to obtain its elegant complexity. The Pavillon Blanc has been available since 1920. Made from vines located on an ancient part of the property, this wine also benefits from 7 to 8 months aging in barrel. Refined, complex and with a lasting finish, it also has great aging potential.