Château Giscours

4.1/5See all 171 reviews

Château Giscours has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. At that time, a defensive keep overlooked a wild and inhospitable countryside. But it all truly began in 1552, when Pierre de Lhomme, a wealthy cloth merchant from Bordeaux, purchased the noble estate of “Guyscoutz,” established a vast estate around it, and planted the very first vines.

Château Giscours’s winemaking journey was well underway, and the successors of our wealthy merchant, in turn, contributed their own part to this magnificent enterprise. It was in the 19th century, under the leadership of the Promis, the Pescatore, and the Cruse families, that Château Giscours was adorned in its finest: the transformation of the château into a neoclassical palace, the creation of a park featuring rare species by landscape architect Eugène Bulher, and the modernization of production facilities with the construction of vast operational buildings, including the famous “Ferme Suzanne” ...

Since early 1995, Eric Albada Jelgersma has been in charge of managing Château Giscours, and he immediately invested in renovating the vineyard and the estate’s buildings. He has assembled a new team that now runs Giscours, continuing the legacy of the generations of winemakers who have made this estate a world-renowned Grand Cru.

Château Giscours is a remarkable terroir that has produced one of the most acclaimed Margaux wines in the world. This rich and voluptuous wine enjoys a fine global reputation thanks to its powerful aroma and refined tannins. Wine lovers will confirm that Château Giscours Margaux possesses a strong personality that will continue to develop with each passing year.

The Giscours Estate

Château Giscours has been awarded the title of Third Growth in Margaux. Its second wine is La Sirène de Giscours.

The current owners of the Giscours estate are the Tari family. The vineyard covers 87 hectares, and a quarter of the vines have an average age of 40 years. They are planted at a high density of between 8,300 and 10,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard is planted on three hillsides composed of gravel and sand, resting on a clay-limestone base. These soils are irrigated by a small river called Le Cordet.

The Unique Characteristics of Château Giscours

The wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 months. The grapes are harvested by hand with care and precision. The cellar master oversees the wine’s blend, which is composed as follows: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The Cabernets are selected for three key reasons: their freshness, structure, and density. The Merlots, meanwhile, are chosen for their richness and roundness.

The grapes reach perfect ripeness thanks to the Graves, which absorb the sun’s rays, and the mild, favorable climate. The Graves maintain a pleasant temperature even after dark. Maceration occurs gradually, like an infusion, rather than through intensive processing in the vats.

Château Giscours stands out for its full-bodied, fruity, and oaky flavor profile, along with its deep purple color accented by blue-black hues. The wine is smooth and velvety, with a subtle spicy note. It’s a true delight for the palate! On the mid-palate, it delivers aromas of ripe fruit, with flavors that linger on the palate.

According to wine experts, the 2011 Château Giscours reveals notes of black and red fruits, along with hints of vanilla and toast. On the nose, fresh floral aromas are immediately apparent.

Other wines from Château Giscours

The Siren of Giscours

This is the second wine of a Margaux Third Growth, combining traditional expertise with modern techniques. The precision and care taken during the racking process ensure its exceptional quality. This fruity and supple Château Giscours Bordeaux offers the same elegance as the first wine. Made from the youngest vines, this wine undergoes a long and rigorous selection process.

Giscours Haut-Médoc

Haut-Médoc appellation wine is distinguished by its great finesse. Very pleasant on the palate, it offers a rich bouquet of fruit and spices. It is produced in the same manner as the château’s other two wines. On tasting, one senses the freshness of the young fruit and its aroma. This wine is best enjoyed young, but will reveal its full aromatic richness after a few years.

Rosé X Giscours

This wine is the youngest of the family. This terroir-driven rosé charms with its delicate aromas of white flowers and its pale color. It embodies the modern approach to producing fine wines. Its reputation precedes it: it was voted “Best Bordeaux Rosé”!

For more information, visit the website at Giscours

Wine estates recommended by