There are few wine producers in the world that have the kind of prestige and history as Chateau Margaux. This chateau has been making wine since the 1700s and is one of the most celebrated wineries in all of France. If you're interested in learning more about this producer, or if you're simply looking for a bit of trivia to share at your next dinner party, read on for our top five facts about Chateaux Margaux!
The Chateaux has been in use for nearly 1000 years.
Originally know as La Mothe de Margaux, the estate was granted to a knight by King Philippe IV in 1270. The property has been in use almost continuously since that time.
The estates were converted to wine production in the 15th century, when Pierre de Lestonnac, a Bordeaux businessman, acquired them and replanted the grain fields with vineyards.
The vineyards have been unchanged since the 17th century
In 1755, Chateaux Margaux was recorded as having 75 hectares of vineyards. Today, the estate has 80 hectares of vineyards, primary in the same place they were planted centuries ago.
This consistency and longevity is a hallmark of Chateaux Margaux. Many wine producers make changes to their wines from year to year, in an effort to appeal to modern palates or follow the latest trends.
Chateaux Margaux, on the other hand, has largely stuck with its traditional approach, producing some of the most revered red wines in the world.
It’s one of the most famous wine producers in France
The wine producer Chateaux Margaux is one of the most prestigious in the world.
Producing only red wines, Chateaux Margaux is a Grand Cru Classe 1855, one of just five Bordeaux estates with that distinction. The wines are some of the most expensive in the world
The average price of a bottle of Chateaux Margaux wine is $600. However, some bottles have been known to sell for as much as $30,000.
It’s the birthplace of modern viniculture in France
Chateaux Margaux is considered to be the birthplace of modern winemaking. A Bordeaux vineyard manager known as Berlon pioneered the use of techniques such as not picking grapes in the morning, and understanding how different soils and soil compositions imparted a particular terroir to the wine.
The Chateau was designed by Louis Combes
After its confiscation during the French Revolution, the estate passed into the hands of the Marquis de la Colonilla, who hired celebrated architect Louis Combes to design a new Chateau and wine cellars.
Combes built the wine-producing facilities into the design of the Chateau, and also created a magnificent garden.
Combes ability to combine the functional and beautiful in a neo-palladian style, a rarity for France, makes the Chateau Margaux one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world.
So there you have it, five interesting facts about Chateau Margaux. We hope you’ll have the opportunity to visit this wine estate one day and experience its beauty and charm for yourself.
