Château d'Issan

History of Château d'Issan

The history of Château d'Issan is above all a story of transmission and continuity. This wine estate traces its origins back to the 12th century, under the name of "La Mothe-Cantenac". It was during this period that the estate's wine is said to have been served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet, the future King Henry II of England, in 1152. This fact, whether legendary or historical, already anchors the estate in the history of the great wines of Bordeaux from its very beginnings.

During the following centuries, the property was passed down from generation to generation, shaped by many influential families such as the Noailhans, the Meyracs, the Ségurs and the Salignacs. However, it was from 1575, under the aegis of the d'Essenault family, that the estate took on its current name. Through a contraction of the name d'Essenault, "Château d'Issan" came into being, thus marking the beginning of a new era for the vineyard.

Château d'Issan did not wait for the famous 1855 classification to establish itself as a 3rd Grand Cru Classé. It already enjoyed a solid reputation, particularly thanks to its wine, which conquered royal tables, such as those of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. After a period of decline at the beginning of the 20th century, the château was acquired in 1945 by the Cruse family. Under the direction of Lionel Cruse, and then his son Emmanuel Cruse from 1998, the estate regained all its former splendour. In 2012, the Lorenzetti family joined forces with the Cruses, providing crucial support for the renewal of the estate.

The 2005 vintage of Château d'Issan received a 96/100 from Robert Parker, highlighting the depth and balance of this exceptional wine from the Margaux appellation.

Terroirs and Vines of Château d'Issan

Château d'Issan benefits from an exceptional terroir on the left bank, ideally situated at the heart of the Margaux appellation, less than one kilometre from the famous Château Margaux. The estate extends over 53 hectares, of which 52 are dedicated to the production of wine under the Margaux appellation. The soil is primarily composed of gravel rich in pebbles, offering perfect conditions for the ripening of the grapes, while the clay subsoil helps to preserve the freshness of the vines.

This unique terroir is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot (35%), the emblematic grape varieties of the region. The vines, with an average age of 35 years, are cultivated according to the principles of biodynamics, although certification is not yet in place. Some of the oldest vines date back more than 70 years, yielding grapes of exceptional quality.

The vineyard is divided into several distinct plots, each with specific characteristics in terms of soil and subsoil. This diversity enables Château d'Issan to produce well-balanced wines, combining power, finesse and remarkable longevity.

Winemaking at Château d'Issan

The winemaking at Château d'Issan combines tradition and innovation, with the aim of revealing the full authenticity of the Margaux terroir. The harvests are carried out by hand, with a double selective sorting to guarantee the quality of the grapes. Once sorted, the berries are gravity-fed into temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, in order to preserve the identity of each plot.

Fermentation takes place in two recently renovated vat rooms, where pump-overs and temperature controls allow the finest tannins to be extracted. This crucial stage lasts between 18 and 24 days, depending on the vintage. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new, for a period of 16 to 18 months. This ageing phase, essential for Grands Crus Classés, is carried out with care and precision, in order to produce wines with a complex structure, subtle aromas and a silky texture.

The technical teams, under the direction of Éric Pellon and in collaboration with consulting oenologist Éric Boissenot, ensure that each vintage is a faithful reflection of the Margaux terroir. Each blend is meticulously crafted, guaranteeing the consistent quality of Château d'Issan's wines.

The cuvées of Château d'Issan

Château d'Issan offers several cuvées, each representing a unique expression of its terroir.

Château d'Issan  

The estate's flagship wine, it embodies the excellence of the Margaux appellation. Drawn primarily from the old vines of the historic enclos, this wine stands out for its finesse, suppleness and elegance. It is composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot. Its ageing potential is exceptional, and it evolves with grace over the years. This wine is aged in barrels for 16 to 18 months, with 50% new oak.

Blason d'Issan  

The second wine of the Château, Blason d'Issan was created in 1995 to showcase the youngest vines of the estate. This wine, more approachable than the first, offers aromas of round and indulgent fruits, while retaining the identity of Margaux. It is also aged in barrels for 14 to 16 months, with 35% new oak. Its annual production is approximately 120,000 bottles.

Haut-Médoc d'Issan  

Produced from plots located 5 km to the west of the estate, within the Haut-Médoc appellation, this cuvée is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is produced in limited quantities, with approximately 18,000 bottles per year. This wine stands out for its elegant structure, typical of the wines of the Médoc.

Moulin d'Issan (Bordeaux Supérieur)  

This cuvée, produced since 1988, comes from the plots closest to the Gironde estuary, within the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. The clay-limestone soil is perfectly suited to the Merlot grape variety, which generally represents 90% of the blend. Moulin d'Issan is a supple and fruity wine, offering a beautiful roundness. It is produced in approximately 40,000 bottles each year.

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 appreciated 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.

We invite you to discover the various Third Grands Crus Classés, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Embark on a journey through the great terroirs of Margaux with 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, not forgetting the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of the wines of the Médoc.

Château d'Issan is a true jewel of the Margaux appellation, embodying the tradition and excellence of the Grands Crus Classés. Thanks to an exceptional terroir, precise winemaking and family expertise, its wines stand out for their elegance, finesse and ageing potential. Whether you choose Château d'Issan, Blason d'Issan or another cuvée, each bottle tells a rich story spanning more than eight centuries, celebrating the nobility of the Margaux terroir.