Situation and soil

The Margaux wine region is the largest of the four classic Medoc appellations. While the other three Light Bank appellations are connected in one unbroken chain of vineyards, Margaux stands alone to the South. Margaux has always been a wine producing area of great reputation but, curiously, was only decreed AOC in 1954. Five communes are part of the Margaux area: Arsac, Cantenac, Labarde, Margaux and Soussans. All of them are allowed to mention "Appellation Margaux Controlée" on their labels. The historical classification of 1855 rates no less than 21 properties regrouped under the prestigious Margaux name.

Characteristics

The vineyard is located on a 6x2 km long plateau out of which 1,400 ha are mostly dedicated to red vines. The Margaux appellation is a perfect compromise for producing great Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to its poor soil, whose composition is mainly consisting of limestone, clay and gravel. Margaux wines are considered by many amateurs as particularly elegant, with a rather feminine character, combining fruity flavours, bright color, body and suppleness.

Main properties of the appellation

• 1er Grand Cru Classé:
  - Château Margaux
• 2e Grand Cru Classé:
  - Brane Cantenac, Dufort-Vivens, Lascombes, Rauzan-Gassies, Rauzan-Ségla
• 3e Grand Cru Classé:
  - Boyd-Cantenac, Cantenac-Brown, Desmirail, Ferrière, Giscours, Issan, Kirwan, Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, Marquis D'Alesme-Becker, Palmer
• 4e Grand Cru Classé:
  - Marquis de Terme, Prieuré Lichine, Pouget
• 5e Grand Cru Classé:
  - Dauzac, du Tertre
• Other leading properties:
  - Angludet, d'Arsac, la Gurgue, Labégorce, Labegorce Zédé, Martinens, Monbrison, Paveil de Luze, Siran, Tour de Mons

This is a non exhaustive list.

Varietals and technical data (*)

The average production, exclusively in red, is of approx. 75,000 hl within a planted surface of 1,400 ha.

• Authorized yields: 47 to 66 hl/ha 
• Sugar (grams per liter of must): 171 gr minimum
• Base Alcoholic strength: 10% / 13%

Main grape variety:

• - Cabernet-Sauvignon (55%)
• - Merlot (35%)
• - Cabernet-Franc (10%)

(*) Sources:
• Bordeaux and its Wines - Ch. Cocks - Ed. Féret - 17th Edition,
• Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB)