The Margaux appellation is a bit like a movie star: elegant, timeless, and always in the spotlight. Located on the left bank of Bordeaux, within the Médoc, the magnificent Margaux is known and recognized internationally for its high-flying red wines.
In this article, we invite you to discover it in its entirety through a journey across its history, its terroirs, as well as its wines and Grands Crus.
Happy reading!
Summary
History of the Margaux appellation
The Margaux vineyard finds its first traces in Antiquity, a period when the Romans introduced vine cultivation in the Bordeaux region.The Médoc, a territory that was then very marshy, was not well-suited for viticulture. During the Middle Ages, viticulture expanded in the region. Nevertheless, it remained primarily concentrated at the gates of the city of Bordeaux. From the 12th century, the export of Bordeaux wines to England began, notably thanks to the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II Plantagenet.This pivotal era contributes to the emerging reputation of Bordeaux wines. However, the Médoc, and Margaux in particular, still lag behind other terroirs such as Saint-Émilion or Graves.
The true rise of Margaux as a wine region actually begins in the 17th century . It is indeed during this period that, on the orders of major Bordeaux landowners, Dutch merchants undertake significant works to transform the Médoc marshes into arable land. Once drained, the gravelly soils of Margaux then reveal their unique potential for viticulture .The 18th century marks a period of prosperity for Margaux. The region then benefits from the rise of international trade in Bordeaux wines, and large wine estates, such as Château Margaux, emerge and gain increasing renown.
The 19th century also represents a decisive stage in the history of Margaux thanks to the creation in 1855 of the classification of the Grands Crus of Médoc and Sauternais . This hierarchy then consolidates the reputation of the wines of the entire region.
The end of the 19th century is nevertheless marked by significant crises, notably the phylloxera which devastated European vineyards.
In the 20th century, the Margaux vineyard continues to produce exceptional wines but must survive the two world wars as well as the economic crisis.In 1936, Margaux finally obtained its Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), recognizing the quality and uniqueness of its terroir. Today, the AOC Margaux covers more than 1500 hectares and is globally recognized for its harmonious red wines, distinguished by their mythical balance between power and elegance.
Map of Médoc and location of the Margaux appellation
Soils and climate of the Margaux AOC
But then, what is the secret of Margaux wines? Well, it is above all its exceptional terroir! This appellation indeed benefits from gravelly soils composed of pebbles, gravel, and sand.
The gravelly mounds, typical of the Médoc region, play a key role here by offering excellent drainage and allowing the vines to avoid water stress. These terroirs are also excellent thermal regulators, storing heat during the day and releasing it at night.
On the climate side, the Atlantic Ocean plays a moderating role.The winters are mild, the summers warm without being scorching, and the rains are sufficiently distributed to ensure the harmonious growth of the vine. A perfect balance to produce exceptional wines!
The wines of AOC Margaux
When you open a bottle of Margaux, you find all the charm of the Médoc.Beyond the soils of the appellation, another key to the magic of local wines lies in a planting primarily based on two grape varieties:
-The Cabernet Sauvignon : it covers nearly 55% of the vineyard and is the true pillar, providing structure and aging potential to the produced cuvées.-The Merlot: it is the other major grape variety of Margaux, representing nearly 38% of the appellation's area. It brings roundness, smoothness, as well as generous aromas of red and black fruits.The Petit Verdot (4%) and the Cabernet Franc (3%) also enhance the ensemble with their spicy and floral notes as well as their tannic structure.
You will have understood, the appellation only produces red wines and these are remarkably fine.
On the nose, notes of black fruits (blackcurrant, plum, blackberry, etc.) can be distinguished, accompanied by refined spices such as pepper, clove, or vanilla. Here, the wines are indeed almost all aged in oak barrels. On the palate, deep flavors emerge and a dense yet smooth tannic structure presents itself. A sensation of harmony is what makes Margaux wines so charming. A perfect marriage between power and delicacy! Margaux wines are also magnificent red wines for aging.If a young Margaux dazzles you with its liveliness and burst of fruit, a mature Margaux will reveal its depth and aromatic complexity with notes of undergrowth, leather, and sometimes even truffle!
The Cabernet Sauvignon, the major grape variety of Margaux wines
The Grands Crus Classés of the Margaux appellation
With its 1 500 hectares of vineyards, Margaux is the second largest appellation in the Médoc, just behind Saint-Estèphe. Moreover, it particularly shines in the 1855 classification of Grands Crus Classés.
Indeed, Margaux is proudly represented by 21 classified châteaux, the record of the region ! Here is their list.
1st Grand Cru Classé (1 property)
-Château Margaux
Second Grands Crus Classés (5 properties)
-Château Rauzan-Ségla
-Château Rauzan-Gassies
-Château Durfort-Vivens
-Château Lascombes
-Château Brane-Cantenac
Third Grands Crus Classés (10 properties)
-Château Kirwan
-Château d'Issan
-Château Giscours
-Château Malescot St-Exupéry
-Château Cantenac-Brown
-Château Boyd-Cantenac
-Château Palmer
-Château Desmirail
-Château Ferrière
-Château Marquis d'Alesme
Fourth Grands Crus Classés (3 properties)
-Château Pouget
-Château Prieuré-Lichine
-Château Marquis de Terme
Fifth Grands Crus Classés (2 properties)
-Château Dauzac
-Château du Tertre
While these properties represent the elite of the appellation, many other chateaux coexist with them.
The case of Château Margaux
While we cannot elaborate on all the listed vineyards here, we still wanted to provide you with some insights on the great star of the appellation : Château Margaux!
Classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855, Château Margaux is indeed a true icon of global viticulture. Benefiting from an exceptional terroir, the property's soils are gravelly and associated with clay-limestone subsoils, ensuring perfect drainage and an ideal water reserve.This unique setting consists of approximately 82 hectares of vineyards, primarily dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon and complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.
The Grand Vin of Château Margaux is renowned for its elegance and complexity, offering a perfect balance between power and finesse. Its aromas of black fruits, violet, and spices evolve over time to reveal woody and truffle nuances.
This exceptional wine has a tremendous aging potential, often exceeding several decades. Alongside it, the estate also produces Pavillon Rouge, its second wine, and Pavillon Blanc, a dry Sauvignon Blanc of great purity.
Symbol of excellence and refinement, Château Margaux embodies the very essence of Médoc and remains, century after century, one of the great jewels of French viticulture.
Château Margaux: the essential icon of the appellation
What to eat with a wine from the AOC Margaux?
The red wines of Margaux are perfect allies to enhance your dishes and surprise your guests. Thanks to their fine tannic structure and elegant aromas, these cuvées indeed adapt to a multitude of flavors.
Red meats and game
Nothing beats a red wine from Margaux to accompany a delicious leg of lamb, whose juicy aromas will blend deliciously with the wine's structure.
Grilled, braised, or roasted meats, whether it's beef, pork, duck, or even game, are also excellent companions for a red wine from AOC Margaux.
Enhance your Margaux wine with braised beef and vegetables, an exquisite pairing
Mushrooms and truffles
Dishes based on mushrooms or truffles are also perfect companions for AOC Margaux wines. The earthy aromas of these ingredients enhance the subtle and complex notes of the wine, creating a delicate yet surprisingly harmonious pairing.
Older vintages pair particularly well with these ingredients!
Cheeses
Thanks to their fine tannic structure and smooth texture, it is also quite possible to pair a Margaux wine with cheeses. However, it is important to be cautious in the choice of the latter.
We recommend, for example, cheeses like Comté (24-36 months), Beaufort, or aged Gouda, which pair particularly well with a Margaux. Their mild and slightly nutty flavors indeed harmonize very well with the complexity of the wine, without disturbing its aromas.
The Cantal or the Tomme de Savoie also offer interesting combinations, their moderate texture and taste indeed allowing the subtlety of the Margaux to shine.
Finally, cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or Reblochon, when not too strong, can also create a beautiful balance with the round tannins of a Margaux.
From a tasting perspective, and to fully enjoy your bottle, we recommend serving your Margaux red wine between 16-18°C. At this temperature, your bottle will indeed maintain its freshness while expressing its complexity and delicate aromas.
The best wines of the AOC Margaux
Are you in search of the best red wines from the Margaux appellation? La Cave Éclairée offers you two must-visit châteaux in the region that will let you discover the soul of this exceptional terroir!
Château Brane-Cantenac
The wines of Château Brane-Cantenac, Second Grand Cru Classé, reflect the siliceous and clayey gravel of the Cantenac plateau. Henri Lurton is currently at the helm of this magnificent estate spanning 75 hectares.The cuvées from the vineyard, notably the first wine, express a grace and suppleness typical of the greatest Bordeaux wines and are definitely part of the region's elite.
The Cabernet Sauvignon forms the main framework of this great wine, complemented by Merlot and a hint of Cabernet Franc. The perfect balance of this cuvée, between power and finesse, makes it a must-have. Moreover, its price remains relatively reasonable (for a Grand Cru Classé) considering the quality it offers.
Château Mille Roses
Nestled in the heart of the Margaux appellation, Château Mille Roses perfectly embodies the deliciousness of the region's wines.
Created in 1999 by Sophie and David Faure, the estate spans 9.5 hectares cultivated using organic farming. Cabernet Sauvignon remains predominant here as well, and the oak barrel aging is conducted to highlight rather than overpower the fruit.
The very high-quality terroir of the estate is mainly composed of gravel and sand.The property is also surrounded by very prestigious neighbors, with its vineyards bordered by those of Châteaux Giscours and Cantemerle, both Grands Crus Classés.
Discover this high-quality property offering delicious wines in AOC Margaux and Haut-Médoc!
You are now almost an expert on the Margaux appellation! So, to complete your collection, don't forget to take a look at our selection of Bordeaux wines! Grands Crus or hidden gems, there is something for every taste.Visit La Cave Éclairée!
