Tertre 1972 -10% DISCOUNT !
Château du Tertre takes its name from its particular geographical position, situated on one of the highest points of the commune of Arsac, in the Margaux appellation. The estate has a history dating back to the 12th century, but its rise to international recognition truly began in the 18th century. Pierre Mitchell, a British industrialist who was a pioneer in the production of glass in Bordeaux, acquired the estate and saw in wine production an ideal complement to his glassmaking activity. He is even reputed to have bottled some of the estate's first vintages, an innovative practice for the time.
Classified as a fifth Grand Cru in the prestigious 1855 classification, Château du Tertre has managed to weather the ages despite numerous difficulties. The arrival of phylloxera in the 19th century, followed by economic crises and world wars, severely affected the estate, which fell into a state of disrepair by the end of the 20th century.
The decisive turning point came in 1997, when the estate was acquired by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma, also owner of Château Giscours. Under his leadership and that of oenologist Jacques Pélissier, the estate was entirely renovated, both in terms of its technical facilities and its vineyard. Since 2021, Château du Tertre has been under the direction of the Helfrich family, renowned in the wine world for their Grands Chais de France, who now oversee its operations in a return to the heights of quality.
Château du Tertre benefits from an exceptional terroir on the left bank, situated on two gravel mounds, one of the highest points in the Margaux appellation. This elevation, combined with sandy-clay gravel soil, allows for excellent water regulation and optimal drainage, ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The vineyard extends over 52 hectares in a single block, a rare characteristic in Margaux, and has not changed in size since the famous 1855 classification.
The grape varieties at Château du Tertre consist of 43% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 19% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. This varied blend produces complex and well-balanced wines with a well-defined tannic structure. On average, the vines are approximately 40 years old, but some, in particular the cabernet francs, are considerably older and originate from massal selections.
Environmental commitment is also a priority for the estate. Since 2008, part of the vineyard has been managed according to biodynamic principles, and today, 11 hectares are certified in biodynamics while the other plots are cultivated using sustainable farming methods. This environmentally respectful approach helps improve the quality of the wines while preserving the terroir for future generations.
The vinification techniques at Château du Tertre blend tradition and modernity. After meticulous hand harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted before being transported by gravity into concrete, wood or stainless steel tanks for fermentation. This process helps preserve the purity of the fruit and avoids any crushing of the berries, thereby ensuring better extraction of aromas.
The wines are aged for 15 to 17 months in French oak barrels, approximately 45% of which are renewed each year. This moderate use of oak preserves the balance between the fruit and woody aromas, providing a fine tannic structure while avoiding masking the subtleties of the terroir.
Innovation is also present, with the use of egg-shaped cement tanks for certain vinifications. These tanks, particularly appreciated for their ability to add minerality to the wine, are increasingly used to further refine the profile of the estate's cuvées.
Château du Tertre
The Fine Wine of Château du Tertre is a powerful, complex and refined Margaux. Composed predominantly of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, this wine is distinguished by its aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and tobacco. On the palate, it reveals a well-balanced tannic structure, with a beautiful freshness on the finish. This wine, typical of the Margaux appellation, is made to age and gain in complexity over time.
Les Hauts du Tertre
The estate's second wine, Les Hauts du Tertre, offers a more accessible expression of the terroir, while retaining the elegance and finesse that characterise Château du Tertre. Composed primarily of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, it presents aromas of fresh red fruits and gentle spices, with a supple and harmonious palate. This wine is ideal for earlier consumption, while still having good aging potential.
Château du Tertre (white)
Less well known than the red wines, the white wine of Château du Tertre is an atypical cuvée for the appellation. Crafted from a blend of 40% chardonnay, 28% sauvignon blanc, 20% viognier and 12% gros manseng, this white wine reveals great aromatic complexity, combining notes of citrus, white flowers and exotic fruits. Its palate is fresh, lively and mineral, with a beautiful lingering finish. This unique white wine is a rarity to be discovered.
The best vintages of Margaux, one of the most prestigious wines of Bordeaux, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years, one finds 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. Recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly regarded for their structure and richness. Other years such as 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 confirm Margaux's consistency in producing exceptional wines, a symbol of Bordeaux excellence.
The Fifth Grands Crus Classés offer a fine diversity of estates in the Médoc, reflecting the winemaking expertise of Bordeaux. In Pauillac, one finds renowned estates such as Château d'Armailhac, Château Batailley, Château Clerc Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Château Haut-Batailley, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Lynch-Moussas, Château Pedesclaux, and Château Pontet-Canet. In the Haut-Médoc, Château Camensac and Château Cantemerle stand out for their own characteristics. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre add a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory of Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of the Bordeaux terroir.
Château du Tertre is a historic estate that has stood the test of centuries while remaining at the forefront of innovation. Its wines, born of an exceptional terroir and ancestral expertise, are a true expression of the Margaux appellation. With elegant and complex cuvées, Château du Tertre continues to captivate wine lovers the world over. Whether for their aging potential or their aromatic finesse, the wines of Château du Tertre are essential for any lover of great Bordeaux wines.
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