Château Margaux
The Château |
The Architectural
Model |
The Wine
Cabinet
History
Château Margaux is known for producing some of the silkiest, most aromatic wines
in Bordeaux and it has been famous for doing so for centuries. The origins of the
estate may be traced back to the 15th century when the Lestonnac family took over a
grain growing property known as Lamothe (deriving from la motte – meaning a small rise
in the land, or hill). The agricultural change from cereal crops to vines was led by
Pierre de Lestonnac from 1572 to 1582. Further developments occurred when, over a
century later, the estate manager, Monsieur Berlon, saw the benefits of vinifying red
and white grapes separately. This change was what set Château Margaux firmly on the
path to modern vinification practices and international renown.
This reputation spread over the next several hundred years. Sir Robert Walpole, the
English Prime Minister in the early 18th Century, declared himself an avid supporter of
the estate and was known to purchase four casks every three months! When the Marquis
de la Colonilla purchased the estate in the early 19th century, the outstanding
reputation of Margaux’s wines demanded an impressive château to match. Built in 1810
by Louis Combes, the current château is a unique example of the neo-classical style.
With its structured façade, balanced by ionic columns, it exudes a refined elegance
not dissimilar to that of the wines produced within. The château was officially
recognised as an historic monument in 1946.
Today the château is owned by Corinne Mentzelopoulos. Her father, André, purchased the
estate in 1977 and invested significantly in the regeneration of the vineyard and winery
by installing new drainage systems, replanting vines, creating a new underground cellar
and investing in new oak barrels. The result of these improvements is evident in the
spectacular and consistent vintages produced since the 1978 vintage. This has allowed
Château Margaux to remain a dominant force in a highly competitive market and maintain its preeminent global reputation.
Order top vintages of Château Margaux