Winery: Chateau Margaux

Country / Region: France / Bordeaux / Pauillac

Date Winery was established: 1500's

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc

First Vintage Released: 1771 (officially)

Alcohol Level / Volume: 13% / 750ml

Ratings: 98 pts Gilbert & Gaillard / 93 pts The Wine Cellar Insider

Decanting Time: Decant for 1 - 2 hours. Serve at 15 - 18°C

Our suggestion for decanting time is based on bottles we tried at Txanton in 2020. We guarantee that Txanton stocks are imported and maintained in proper storage within the correct temperature and humidity suitable for wine.

Good To Know: Already occupied and cultivated as early as the 12th century, the vineyards of Chateau Margaux were once originally planted with grains and cereals. It was only in the 1570's when the crops were exchanged for vines and the property was setup as a wine estate. In 1705, under the name "Margose," 230 barrels of wine from the chateau were auctioned in London. In 1771 it became the first "claret" sold in Christie's, a famous auction house based in the UK. Thomas Jefferson visited Chateau Margaux in 1787 and named it as one of the "four vineyards of first quality," alongside another renowned Bordeaux estate, Chateau Haut Brion.

Ownership of the chateau has changed hands quite a few times since the 16th century. In 1977 amidst the financial crisis, the estate was bought by grocery chain owner, André Mentzepoulos. Under his care, Chateau Margaux began a major program of investment. Upon his death, his daughter, Corinne, together with winemaker Paul Pontallier continued the chateau's overhaul, ushering in a sort of "golden age" for the estate, producing highly sought after vintages every year since. More recent developments include the 2009 introduction of a third wine, Margaux du Château Margaux, to complement the grand vin and the second wine, Pavillon Rouge.