Château Marquis d'Alesme

History of Château Marquis d’Alesme

Château Marquis d’Alesme dates back to 1585, when François d’Alesme, a councilor in the Bordeaux parliament, founded the property. Vines were first planted there only in the early 17th century, marking the beginning of this growth’s winemaking history. The estate soon gained a reputation in the Margaux region, particularly for the finesse and elegance of its wines.

In 1809, the estate was sold to Jean Bekker-Terrlink, a Dutch wine merchant who decided to add his name to that of the property. Château Marquis d’Alesme Becker was thus born. The name remained in use until 2009, when it was shortened to Château Marquis d’Alesme for greater international recognition.

Classified as a Third Growth in the famous 1855 classification of Médoc wines, the estate changed hands several times over the centuries. Its owners included the Zuger family, also known for owning Château Malescot St. Exupéry. In 2006, the Perrodo family acquired the estate, restoring it and returning this classified growth to its former glory. Today, under the direction of Nathalie Perrodo-Samani and Marjolaine Maurice-de Coninck, Château Marquis d’Alesme is enjoying a revival that combines respect for tradition with modernity.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Marquis d’Alesme

The Château Marquis d’Alesme vineyard covers 15 hectares on the Left Bank, divided into three distinct blocks, all in the heart of the Margaux appellation. These plots benefit from an exceptional terroir comprising 40% sandy-gravel soils, 40% sandy-marl soils, and 20% clay-limestone soils. This distinctive mix allows the vines to root deeply, encouraging optimal grape ripening.

Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the estate’s plantings, accounting for 63% of the vines. This noble grape gives the wine its structure and tannins, producing powerful wines suited to aging. Merlot, at 30%, rounds out the blend, lending the wines softness and suppleness. Petit Verdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) contribute complex aromas and appealing freshness.

The estate practices sustainable viticulture inspired by the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. Beneficial wildlife, such as wild bees and bats, plays a key role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. The lunar calendar is also carefully followed when scheduling work in the vines, respecting the natural rhythms of the plants and soil.

Winemaking at Château Marquis d’Alesme

Winemaking at Château Marquis d’Alesme is an art in which every detail matters. After meticulous hand-harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted to retain only the best berries. This painstaking work takes place in several stages to ensure impeccable quality.

Winemaking then takes place in a modern winery equipped with truncated-cone tanks made of wood and stainless steel, allowing each plot’s grapes to be fermented separately. Every lot is closely monitored to preserve the distinctive character of the terroir and each grape variety. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, a method that brings greater finesse and complexity to the wines.

The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, 65% of them new, for an average of 18 months. For the first three months, it rests on its fine lees, giving it subtle aromas and a silky texture on the palate. This long, meticulous aging process produces elegant, structured wines with exceptional aging potential.

The Cuvées of Château Marquis d’Alesme

Château Marquis d’Alesme offers several cuvées that reflect the diversity of its terroir and the excellence of its winemaking expertise.

Château Marquis d’Alesme  

The estate’s principal cuvée, a Margaux Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it a powerful tannic structure. The wine displays complex aromas of dark fruit, including cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, accompanied by floral notes and appealing minerality. On the palate, it is full and elegant, with a remarkably long finish. Ideal for extended cellaring, it will be at its best after a few years of aging.

Marquise d’Alesme  

The estate’s second wine, Marquise d’Alesme, was created in 1988 to let wine lovers discover the estate’s style at a more affordable price. Made primarily from younger vines, it has a softer, fruitier profile, with notes of vanilla and appealing freshness on the palate. Ready to drink sooner than the fine wine, it is perfect to enjoy now while retaining the elegance typical of Margaux.

Saam Long  

Since 2022, the estate has produced a new cuvée, Saam Long, a white wine made from an unusual blend of Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, and Albariño. Planted on 1.5 hectares of cooler soils, these grape varieties bring freshness and complexity to the wine, which stands out for its citrus and tropical fruit aromas and minerality. Produced in limited quantities, this white wine is a true gem worth discovering for lovers of rare and distinctive wines.

The best vintages of Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Standout years include 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996, and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. More recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly prized for their structure and richness. Other years, including 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, confirm Margaux’s consistency in producing exceptional wines that embody Bordeaux excellence.

We invite you to discover the various Third Growth Grands Crus Classés, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Explore the great terroirs of Margaux through the prestigious Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferrière, Château Giscours, Château d’Issan, Château Kirwan, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Château Marquis d'Alesme, and Château Palmer. Continue your journey with the wines of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Château Lagrange and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien, and the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises you an unforgettable experience reflecting the art of Médoc wines.

Château Marquis d’Alesme beautifully embodies the excellence of the Margaux appellation. Thanks to environmentally conscious viticulture, careful winemaking, and skillful aging, the estate’s wines reflect an exceptional terroir and centuries of expertise. Whether the fine wine or its other cuvées, every bottle from Château Marquis d’Alesme offers a distinctive tasting experience combining power, elegance, and finesse. For lovers of classified growths, this estate is a benchmark not to be missed, where tradition and modernity come together to create exceptional wines.