The wines of Château Margaux stand as a proud emblem of France, embodying the artistry and tradition that have solidified this winery’s esteemed status among Bordeaux’s premier estates. Over the span of five centuries, the estate has unveiled only five labels, with one of them making its debut in the past year. This milestone heralds a vibrant and transformative era for this historic property, particularly marked by the ascension of young Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos, who has taken the reins from his mother, Corinne Mentzelopoulos, after her remarkable 43-year stewardship.
The origins of Château Margaux trace back to the 12th century, when the estate was known as La Mothe de Margaux, and grapevines were yet to be cultivated. By the late 16th century, a pivotal shift from grain farming to viticulture occurred, leading the d’Auledes family to establish what we now recognize as Château Margaux in the 17th century. While the winery embraces innovation, it also exemplifies continuity, particularly in its limited production: in 1680, the estate boasted 75 hectares of vineyards, which has now grown to 80.
A global icon of wine
Château Margaux is often credited with being a pioneer of modern winemaking. In the early 18th century, estate manager Berlon made groundbreaking decisions—ceasing the practice of vinifying red and white grapes together and prohibiting the harvesting of grapes at dawn when they were covered in dew. His contemporaries noted his profound understanding of the terroir across the estate’s various plots.
The estate’s most renowned wine, the Château Margaux label, is crafted from a carefully balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon—the dominant varietal—alongside Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This wine is not only one of the most celebrated in the world but also a lasting symbol of excellence in French viticulture. The estate has inspired numerous pop culture references, the most intriguing being that Margo Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, changed her name from Margot to Margaux upon learning of her conception beside a bottle of Château Margaux. There is also a compelling tale that French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing intervened to prevent the sale of this estate to Coca-Cola.
The journey to a new label
At just 31, Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos has stepped into the leadership role of this wine giant, while his sister, Alexandra, has taken charge of the supervisory board. The global wine community is optimistic that these young heirs will carry on the legacy of Corinne Mentzelopoulos, once hailed as the “impeccable guardian” of Château Margaux. A testament to the winery’s continued excellence is the successful launch of the white wine label, Pavillon Blanc Second Vin, which offers a more accessible alternative to its “older brother,” the Sauvignon Blanc Pavillon Blanc.
Initially conceived as a premium house wine and intended for bulk sale, Pavillon Blanc Second Vin has evolved, as Mentzelopoulos explained, into a distinguished wine that merits its own name and label. They recognized that its quality was too exceptional to be sold in bulk. Furthermore, as Mentzelopoulos mentioned during a recent visit to Belgrade, the Margaux estate aimed to cater to new generations of consumers who may not have the means to purchase Pavillon Blanc. The result is a wine that is likely the most accessible in the history of this prestigious house, successfully serving as an introduction to the enchanting world of Château Margaux.
