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Margaux

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The Margaux wine is certainly one of the most renowned in the Médoc in France and internationally. Awarded an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) as early as 1954, the Margaux red wine accounts for the majority of production, with the exception of a small amount of white Margaux produced under the Bordeaux AOC by Château Margaux. Of course, its reputation dates back much further, thanks to the excellence of many of its grands crus, such as Château Margaux, Château Cantenac-Brown, Château Brane-Cantenac, Château Lascombes, Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Palmer, Château Prieuré-Lichine, etc.

Strict specifications for an exceptional wine

The vineyard of the Margaux wines covers the Médoc region and may be produced only in five municipalities: Margaux, Arsac, Soussans, Labarde, and Cantenac. It is also subject to the rules of the AOP (Protected Designation of Origin), the Margaux wine can only be made from certain grape varieties. As a result, depending on the expert blends specific to each estate, Margaux red wines may include Merlot Noir, Petit Verdot Noir, Cabernet Franc Noir, Cot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon Noir, or even the rarer Carmenère Noir and Malbec.

Although the vineyard's soil is largely composed of sedimentary rock and limestone, it is on a marl plateau that most of the Classified Growths are produced. The excellence of these wines stems from the qualities of the Margaux soil—a superb plateau of gravelly alluvial deposits overlying a layer of limestone or clay-loam—the climate, tempered by the proximity of the vast Gironde estuary, and excellent natural drainage. These conditions are highly favorable for the vines and for the proper ripening of the grapes. The Margaux vineyard covers an area of nearly 1,500 hectares, with a limited annual production of approximately 63,000 hectoliters.

Prestigious wines and international renown

The appellation showcases many leading wineries that share the 21 Grand Cru Classé wines including one Premier Cru : The Château Margaux. Wine lovers looking to purchase Margaux wines can choose from a selection of names with an unrivaled reputation for quality. You can choose from the famous Château Lascombes, Château Marquis-de-Terme, Château Prieuré-Lichine, Château d’Issan, or Château Palmer, to name just a few. Since its classification in 1855 by Napoleon III, the region has never failed to live up to its reputation for producing wines of exceptional finesse and inimitable character.

A Margaux Wine Tasting Done Right

By its very nature, the Margaux wine is an ideal candidate for long-term cellaring, as aging allows its flavors to fully develop and maximizes its tasting potential. Some vintages can be cellared for several decades while continuing to improve. For this reason, any tasting must include decanting beforehand to separate any sediment that may have formed in the bottle over the years spent in the cellar. Margaux wine should be served at room temperature, between 17 and 19 degrees, to allow it to fully reveal the excellence of its aromas.

A wine produced exclusively in the Bordeaux region and crafted with the expertise of local winemakers, Margaux pairs perfectly with an entrecôte à la bordelaise, game, or grilled red meat.

Indeed, Margaux wines are characterized by a rare richness and exceptional finesse, with smooth, delicate, and complex bouquets that harmoniously blend fruity (raspberry, cherry, red currant…), floral (peppery rose, hyacinth…), and spicy—even roasted—aromas. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon displays an underlying strength and depth that result in a beautiful aromatic persistence, without any harshness or arrogance. These are excellent wines with great aging potential. Wines from the Margaux appellation are made from a blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant variety. It is blended with Merlot. Malbec and Petit Verdot are used in very small quantities but are sometimes added as valuable supplements.

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