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Second wine of Château Margaux
Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux embodies the excellence and refinement of Bordeaux's second wines. A direct heir to the expertise of the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé, it represents a subtle and accessible expression of the legendary Margaux terroir, offering wine lovers a privileged introduction to the world of Château Margaux.
The history of Pavillon Rouge is rooted in an ancestral pursuit of excellence dating back to the 17th century, a time when Château Margaux initiated the production of a second wine, a practice that was avant-garde in the Médoc at the time. This wine, initially marketed under the designation "Château Margaux 2ème vin", acquired its definitive identity in 1908 by becoming the Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux.
After a production interruption between the 1930s and 1970, the second wine experienced a significant renaissance in 1977 under the impetus of André Mentzelopoulos. The 1990s marked a decisive turning point with the introduction of a third wine, allowing for an even more rigorous selection of grapes destined for Pavillon Rouge, considerably elevating its quality to make it one of the most prestigious second wines of Bordeaux.
Pavillon Rouge benefits from the exceptional terroir of Château Margaux, characterized by its famous ridge of clay-limestone gravel. This unique soil, combined with the particular microclimate of the Margaux appellation, offers ideal conditions for the flourishing of Bordeaux grape varieties.
The blend reflects the estate's signature with a dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), harmoniously complemented by Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). The vines, cultivated with the same care as those of the Fine Wine, benefit from the estate's exacting viticultural practices, notably the progressive conversion to organic farming.
The winemaking of Pavillon Rouge follows a protocol as rigorous as that of the first wine. The grapes, harvested by hand at perfect ripeness, undergo careful vinification in the historic wooden vat room and in modern stainless steel tanks.
The process includes:
A precise alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature
A carefully supervised maceration of approximately seven days
A malolactic fermentation at 20°C
A noble ageing of 18 to 24 months in new French oak barrels
A traditional egg white fining
A meticulous blend defining the distinctive style of Pavillon Rouge
Pavillon Rouge stands out for its refined organoleptic profile:
To the eye: A deep robe with violet hues, testament to its concentration and youth.
On the nose: A complex and refined bouquet, harmoniously blending ripe dark fruits with elegant toasted notes, the signature of its noble ageing.
On the palate: The attack is caressing, revealing an intense and flavorful fruity structure. The evolution unveils a beautiful vivacity, carried by a remarkable length with silky and fragrant tannins.
Production, limited to approximately 8,000 cases per year, represents nearly 30% of the estate's total harvest. This impressive wine for ageing can be kept for over 30 to 40 years, while offering the advantage of being accessible earlier than the Fine Wine.
The finest 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.
For lovers of great Bordeaux wines, the Médoc region is home to many other prestigious estates to discover. Notable examples include Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion, which, like Château Lafite Rothschild, are Premiers Grands Crus Classés of the Médoc. These emblematic estates also produce wines of exceptional quality and are recognized worldwide for their viticultural expertise.
Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux represents the excellence of Bordeaux second wines, offering an authentic expression of the Margaux terroir at a more accessible price than the first wine. Its exceptional quality, the result of rigorous selection and centuries-old expertise, makes it a prestigious ambassador of the estate, capable of seducing both enlightened enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. Its remarkable ageing potential and its ability to express the quintessence of the Margaux style make it a premier oenological investment.
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