Chateau GiscoursProducer from Bordeaux, France

Margaux, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Third Growth

Chateau Giscours, a Third Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is one of the most illustrious estates in the Margaux appellation. Giscours produces richly aromatic wines that are surprisingly powerful on the palate, displaying ripe, black fruit with hints of cedar and new oak. Giscours’ rich history, spanning centuries, combined with its exceptional terroir, has established it as a symbol of Margaux’s winemaking heritage. The estate consistently produces wines with remarkable depth, finesse, and impressive ageing potential.

The history of Chateau Giscours dates back to the 14th century, though it wasn't until the 19th century that the estate began to gain significant recognition. In the mid-19th century, Château Giscours underwent substantial renovations under the ownership of the Cruse family, who were instrumental in shaping its reputation. They modernized the vineyard, introduced innovative winemaking techniques, and constructed the château's grand, neo-classical building, which remains a striking feature of the estate today.

The estate’s inclusion as a Third Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification cemented its status as one of the leading properties in Margaux. However, the latter half of the 20th century saw Giscours facing challenges, including periods of neglect and ownership changes. It wasn’t until the acquisition by Dutch businessman Eric Albada Jelgersma in 1995 that Giscours began to experience a renaissance. Under his guidance, significant investments were made in both the vineyards and the winery, restoring Chateau Giscours to its former glory and elevating the quality of its wines to new heights.

The Terroir of Chateau Giscours

The terroir of Chateau Giscours is one of its most prized assets, playing a crucial role in the character and quality of its wines. The estate cultivates vineyards that cover 165 hectares, dedicating 100 hectares to the production of their grand vin. The vineyards are planted on the deep gravel soils that are characteristic of Margaux.

These gravelly soils, mixed with sand and clay, provide excellent drainage, which is essential for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety at Giscours. The gravel also reflects sunlight, helping the grapes to ripen fully and develop the complex flavours and aromas that are the hallmark of the estate’s wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for approximately 60% of the vineyard plantings, with Merlot making up 32%, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot completing the blend. This combination reflects the estate's dedication to capturing the unique qualities of its terroir, where Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and longevity, Merlot adds richness and roundness, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contribute aromatic complexity and spice.

The estate's proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. This unique combination of soil and climate conditions allows Chateau Giscours to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Chateau Giscours

Winemaking at Chateau Giscours is a meticulous process that honours tradition while embracing modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process and gentle extraction of tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months, with around 50% new oak used each year to add depth and structure. This ageing process enhances the wines' ability to evolve over time, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.

Winery website: https://giscours.com/en/