Eng :\u00a0Ch\u00e2teau Margaux: A Noble Bordeaux Estate<\/p>\n
Ch\u00e2teau Margaux has a long, storied history. The first vines were planted on the estate in the 16th century and from the very beginning it was the wine of choice among French royalty. Ch\u00e2teau Margaux\u2019s earliest owners were noblemen and noblewomen. Today, Ch\u00e2teau Margaux is still considered a noble wine. Located in the Margaux commune of Bordeaux\u2019s left bank, Margaux is one of the most renowned producers in the entire M\u00e9doc region. During the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, it was one of only four producers to earn premier cru (first growth) status.<\/p>\n
Ch\u00e2teau Margaux\u2019s success is a direct result of the estate\u2019s spectacular terroir and its lead winemakers\u2019 dedication to producing wines of outstanding quality. In the early 18th century, Margaux was one of the first Bordeaux wineries to separate its red and white grapes based on terroir and climate. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in a 25-hectare parcel located at the very top of the estate\u2019s plateau, where the gravel soils are deep and the vines are exposed to plenty of sunlight. Sauvignon Blanc grapes were planted on the western side of the estate in the shallower, limestone-rich soils. This area is exposed to more cooling winds, which is favorable for white grapes. As a result of this thoughtful viniculture, Ch\u00e2teau Margaux\u2019s red and white wines were much deeper in color, more structured, and far more complex than other wines made in Bordeaux at the time.<\/p>\n
Every Margaux release is a unique expression of place and time.
\nRecent changes at the estate over the past century have increased the quality of these wines to an even greater extent. For example, in 1965, lead winemaker Pierre Ginestet decided that Margaux\u2019s flagship grand vin should be bottled only in years when quality was particularly high, similar to the way most Champagne houses release their vintages. All other Margaux wine would be bottled as non-vintage or sold to n\u00e9gociants. In 1983, lead winemaker Paul Pontallier made even more changes, including:<\/p>\n
New vats
\nA gravity-fed reception area
\nA second round of hand-sorting to select only the best grapes
\nPlot-by-plot vinification to more precisely blend the final grand vin
\nNew state-of-the-art cellars
\nAdditional red wine labels (including a second and third wine)
\nDue to Pontallier\u2019s efforts, the best recent vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux have become even more precise, complex, and intense in flavor. Every Margaux release is a unique expression of place and time\u2014while the wines are consistently high in quality from year to year, no two vintages taste exactly alike.<\/p>\n
The Ch\u00e2teau Margaux Grand Vin Is Becoming Rarer
\nCh\u00e2teau Margaux has expanded its offerings in recent years. In the past, the grand vin and Pavillon Blancwere the only two labels. Today, the estate makes four different wines:<\/p>\n
Ch\u00e2teau Margaux (grand vin) (12,000 cases per year): A flagship wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon (usually 85 percent or more), Merlot (around 20 percent), Petit Verdot (three percent), and Cabernet Franc (two percent). It\u2019s a rich wine full of complex flavors and aromas, like truffle and violet.
\nPavillon Rouge du Ch\u00e2teau Margaux (16,000 cases per year): A second red wine made from a similar blend of grapes. It\u2019s not as complex or age-worthy as the grand vin, but it is still a powerful wine that many Bordeaux enthusiasts enjoy.
\nPavillon Blanc du Ch\u00e2teau Margaux (1,600 cases per year): A white Bordeaux made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc. Although high in quality, it isn\u2019t officially classified under the Margaux appellation because Sauvignon Blanc doesn\u2019t fall under AOC regulations.
\nMargaux du Ch\u00e2teau Margaux (varies from year to year): A third red wine blend that is less complex than the grand vin and Pavillon Rouge. It\u2019s the newest addition to the Margaux roster.
\nAs Ch\u00e2teau Margaux crafts more Margaux du Ch\u00e2teau Margaux and Pavillon Rouge bottles, the quality of the grand vin will increase. This is because only the finest grapes will go into the grand vin release and the rest will be used in other labels. However, this also means that the Ch\u00e2teau Margaux grand vin will become even rarer and more difficult to find in the future. Fewer cases are being produced and this is increasing the value of these wines on the secondary market. If you want to invest in Margaux\u2019s highest-quality label, you should consider buying grand vin vintages now, before the price balloons.<\/p>\n
The Best Vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux
\nThe grand vin label is the most age-worthy and powerful wine Ch\u00e2teau Margaux produces, and this also makes it the most collectible and valuable. To invest in this iconic, sophisticated wine, consider some of the best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux in history.<\/p>\n
The most legendary vintages (receiving average scores of 96+ points on wine-searcher) are:<\/p>\n
2015 \/ 2010 \/2009 \/ 2005 \/ 2003 \/ 2000
\nThe 2018 vintage has also been rated highly by professional critics who have had the opportunity to barrel taste these wines. For example, Wine Advocate scores this vintage between 97 and 100 points; in Vinous, 2018 Ch\u00e2teau Margaux was given a score of 95 to 98 points; and critic Jeb Dunnuck gave the vintage a high score between 98 and 100 points. So, while it\u2019s still too early to say precisely how high in quality this vintage is, these early scores indicate that it will likely be among the estate\u2019s best.<\/p>\n
Of the best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux, 2015 is a standout.
\nHowever, because these wines are so high in quality, demand for them is quite high. They may be difficult to find on the secondary market. The vintages below also received high scores (90+ points) but may be easier to locate because they are rated slightly lower than the very best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux:<\/p>\n
2017 \/ 2016 \/ 2014 \/ 2012 \/ 2008 \/ 2006 \/ 2004 \/ 2001 \/ 1999 \/ 1998 \/1996 \/ 1995 \/ 1990 \/ 1989 \/ 1986 \/ 1985 \/ 1983 \/ 1982 \/ 1959 \/ 1953 \/ 1929 \/ 1928 \/1921 \/ 1900<\/p>\n
Of the best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux, 2015 is a standout, and arguably the highest in quality. Many professional critics gave this vintage a perfect score and claimed it is the greatest wine the estate has ever made. Ideal weather conditions in 2015 produced a wine with incredible finesse and structure. It\u2019s expected to age for more than 50 years and is also a historic vintage, as it was the last wine Paul Pontallier made. The bottle pays homage to his legacy, featuring a black label etched with Pontallier\u2019s name. The 2015 will certainly become a collector\u2019s item, so if you find this vintage on the secondary market, you should strongly consider investing.<\/p>\n
How to Invest in Ch\u00e2teau Margaux
\nWhether you buy the historic 2015 vintage or another top-quality grand vin release, you should first verify that the wine you\u2019re buying is authentic. Unfortunately, the best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux are frequently faked because fraudulent sellers know that the wines are among the most valuable in the world. The estate has already taken some steps to prevent fraud. All bottles made after 1989 are laser-etched to verify authenticity. Additionally, the estate introduced a prooftag system in 2011 that attaches an electronic signature to every bottle. However, despite these efforts, some counterfeit bottles still slip through the cracks. Older vintages are particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting because they are very rare and have no safeguards in place to protect authenticity. This is why it\u2019s important to buy wine from vendors that inspect bottles for authenticity. You can also hire a third-party authenticator to assess the bottle before you buy it.<\/p>\n
To protect your finest bottles over their long lifespan, use professional storage.
\nStorage is equally important when you invest in Ch\u00e2teau Margaux. These wines are very tannic and intense in their youth, so drinking them too early is ill-advised. They need at least 15 years of age before they\u2019re ready to drink, and the best vintages don\u2019t reach peak maturity until they are at least 50 years old. To protect your finest bottles over their long lifespan, use professional storage. A managed storage warehouse will keep your bottles under ideal temperatures and humidity levels, allowing them to age peacefully. Full-service storage providers also include insurance and damage protection, ensuring you don\u2019t lose your entire investment if any of your bottles break, are stolen, or are damaged by natural disasters. These services make it easy to take proper care of the best vintages of Ch\u00e2teau Margaux so that you can enjoy these seductive, elegant wines at their very best.<\/p>\n
Whether you are starting your high-end wine collection or adding to an established portfolio, Vinfolio is your partner in buying, selling, and professional storage. Contact us today to get access to the world\u2019s finest wine.<\/p>\n
Fr.\u00a0Margaux\u00a0: Le nom fascine. Le vin, un des plus prestigieux du monde, fait r\u00eaver. Son histoire est romanesque.<\/p>\n
Le site impressionne, c\u2019est le monde des happy few, celui des cinq Premiers du classement de 1855. Le ch\u00e2teau, construit en 1801, est class\u00e9 monument historique, les chais sont sign\u00e9s Norman Foster, la modernit\u00e9 sublime les traditions. La d\u00e9gustation finale, trop cool, un pur moment de bonheur.<\/p>\n
Margaux, c\u2019est styl\u00e9, vraiment\u00a0!<\/p>\n
Le pass\u00e9 tumultueux du domaine ressemble \u00e0 celui des belles propri\u00e9t\u00e9s du M\u00e9doc avec de nombreux changements de propri\u00e9taire. Des phases de prosp\u00e9rit\u00e9 alternent avec des p\u00e9riodes de d\u00e9clin li\u00e9es au contexte historique. La propri\u00e9t\u00e9 conna\u00eet en particulier l\u2019\u00e9pisode malheureux de la r\u00e9volution de 1789 et le phyllox\u00e9ra. L\u2019actuel ch\u00e2teau, surnomm\u00e9 le petit Versailles M\u00e9docain, est rest\u00e9 inchang\u00e9 depuis sa construction par l\u2019architecte de renom Louis Combes. Pour autant, la propri\u00e9t\u00e9 reste \u00e0 la pointe des techniques de vinification. Un nouveau chai con\u00e7u par un des plus grands noms de l\u2019architecture contemporaine Norman Foster a \u00e9t\u00e9 inaugur\u00e9 en 2015.<\/p>\n
Margaux, pour aller plus loin.
\nUn enc\u00e9pagement typique du M\u00e9doc<\/p>\n
75% de Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% de Merlot et 5% de Cabernet Franc et de petit Verdot.
\n82 Ha de vignes en rouge, rendement de 40Hl\/Ha
\n12Ha de vignes en Blanc, rendement de 20Hl\/Ha
\nDes hommes de passion<\/p>\n
La propri\u00e9taire Corinne Mentzelopoulos a succ\u00e9d\u00e9 \u00e0 son p\u00e8re en 2003.
\nLe domaine est dirig\u00e9 depuis 1990 par l\u2019ing\u00e9nieur agronome et \u0153nologue Paul Pontailler. Son d\u00e9c\u00e8s des suites d\u2019une longue maladie en mars 2016 prive Margaux d\u2019une des personnalit\u00e9s les plus respect\u00e9es du milieu viticole bordelais.
\nJe cite Jacques Dupont dans Le Point du 28\/03\/2016
\nPaul Pontallier, c\u2019\u00e9tait Ch\u00e2teau Margaux. Directeur depuis 1983, Paul incarnait la modestie et l\u2019humilit\u00e9 du tr\u00e8s grand cru qui n\u2019a rien \u00e0 prouver. Chez lui, l\u2019objectif n\u2019\u00e9tait pas la d\u00e9monstration de force, mais l\u2019harmonie\u00a0: \u00ab\u00a0On ne saisit jamais la vraie capacit\u00e9 de puissance que r\u00e9v\u00e8le l\u2019\u00e9quilibre\u00a0\u00bb, disait-il
\nCh\u00e2teau Margaux perd son magicien, Bordeaux un sage, un intuitif et le monde du vin un humaniste.
\nPaul Pontailler dirigeait une \u00e9quipe de 30 vignerons \u00e0 l\u2019ann\u00e9e et 270 vendangeurs.
\nDes techniques avant-gardistes depuis le XIX alli\u00e9 \u00e0 un mode d\u2019\u00e9levage traditionnel<\/p>\n
D\u00e8s le XVIII, Margaux met en place des proc\u00e9d\u00e9s de vinification modernes comme la s\u00e9lection parcellaire
\nLe concept de second vin est n\u00e9 \u00e0 Margaux avec Pavillon Rouge fin XIX
\nLe vin est mis en bouteille au Ch\u00e2teau d\u00e8s 1924
\nLa propri\u00e9t\u00e9 dispose d\u2019un centre de R&D o\u00f9 travaillent 5 onologues
\nLe nouveau chai inaugur\u00e9 en 2015 permet une vinification parcellaire tr\u00e8s pouss\u00e9e. L\u2019assemblage se fait en f\u00e9vrier.
\nSi Margaux utilise les techniques les plus avanc\u00e9es, le ch\u00e2teau conserve l\u2019essentiel des pratiques traditionnelles. La vendange se fait manuellement, les techniques de soutirage \u00e0 la bougie et de collage au blanc d\u2019\u0153uf sont encore utilis\u00e9es. Enfin Le ch\u00e2teau dispose de sa propre tonnellerie. On y fabrique 250 tonneaux par an. Cette production en interne vient compl\u00e9ter les achats r\u00e9alis\u00e9s aupr\u00e8s de six fournisseurs utilisant le meilleur des ch\u00eanes, celui de la for\u00eat de Tron\u00e7ais dans l\u2019Allier.
\n1000 barriques sont utilis\u00e9es chaque ann\u00e9e pour le Premier \u00e9lev\u00e9 uniquement en barrique neuve.
\nLe vin attend 20 \u00e0 24 mois avant la mise en bouteille<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":214,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","atbdp_listing_types":[1040],"at_biz_dir-category":[1380],"at_biz_dir-location":[969],"at_biz_dir-tags":[],"coauthors":[668],"class_list":["post-37161","at_biz_dir","type-at_biz_dir","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","atbdp_listing_types-stays","at_biz_dir-category-shateau","at_biz_dir-location-france"],"yoast_head":"\n