Chateau Durfort-VivensProducer from Bordeaux, France

Margaux, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Durfort-Vivens is a prestigious estate located in the Margaux appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Château Durfort-Vivens has a long history of producing refined and elegant wines that reflect the finesse and complexity typical of Margaux. Under the stewardship of the Lurton family, the estate has embraced organic and biodynamic practices, elevating its reputation for quality and environmental stewardship.

History of Château Durfort-Vivens

The history of Château Durfort-Vivens dates back to the 14th century, when the Durfort family, an influential and noble lineage, owned the estate. Château Durfort-Vivens gained significant recognition in the 18th century for producing wines of exceptional quality. In 1824, the estate was purchased by the Vivens family, who added their name to the château. By 1855, Château Durfort-Vivens was recognised as a Second Growth during the classification ordered by Emperor Napoleon III, securing its place among the top wines of Bordeaux.

The Lurton family, one of the most prominent families in Bordeaux, acquired Château Durfort-Vivens in 1961. Lucien Lurton, a key figure in Bordeaux winemaking, took ownership and began restoring the estate. Today, his son, Gonzague Lurton, manages the estate, continuing the family’s legacy and focusing on organic and biodynamic viticulture. Château Durfort-Vivens has flourished under Gonzague’s leadership, consistently producing wines that are true to their Margaux heritage.

Terroir of Château Durfort-Vivens

Château Durfort-Vivens is situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation, an area known for its exceptional terroir. The estate’s 55 hectares of vineyards are planted on deep gravel soils, which provide excellent drainage and encourage the vines to develop deep root systems. This gravelly terroir is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in these well-drained soils and contributes structure, elegance, and ageing potential to the wines.

The vineyard is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. This classic Left Bank blend highlights the estate’s commitment to producing wines that reflect the finesse and power of Margaux. The mild maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Gironde estuary, ensures a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining freshness and acidity.

Winemaking at Château Durfort-Vivens

Château Durfort-Vivens has been fully certified organic and biodynamic since 2016, a testament to the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming and respect for the environment. Gonzague Lurton’s dedication to these practices ensures that the wines express the purity and character of the terroir without the use of chemical inputs.

The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before fermentation, which takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats. This precise fermentation process allows for optimal extraction of tannins and flavours while preserving the fruit’s freshness and vibrancy.

The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, with about 40% new oak used each year. The use of oak is carefully managed to enhance the wine’s complexity and structure without overpowering its elegance. The result is a wine that is both refined and powerful, with the ability to age gracefully for decades.

Style of Wine Produced

Château Durfort-Vivens is known for producing wines that embody the elegance and finesse of Margaux. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, and violet, along with subtle hints of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, the wines offer layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes, with a long, balanced finish.

The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend gives the wine its structure and ageing potential, while the Merlot adds softness and roundness. Château Durfort-Vivens wines are approachable in their youth but have the capacity to develop greater complexity and depth with age.