Chateau Rauzan-SeglaProducer from Bordeaux, France

Margaux, Bordeaux

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Rauzan-Ségla, a prestigious Second Growth estate in the Margaux appellation, has long been celebrated for producing wines that exemplify the elegance, finesse, and complexity for which Margaux is renowned. With a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, Rauzan-Ségla has evolved through the centuries, continuously refining its winemaking practices to produce some of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux.

The history of Château Rauzan-Ségla begins in 1661 when it was founded by Pierre des Mesures de Rauzan, who also owned Château Pichon Longueville. Rauzan's foresight in identifying the potential of this terroir set the stage for the estate's future greatness. By the early 18th century, Rauzan-Ségla had already established a reputation for producing exceptional wines. The estate was classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a testament to its quality and the potential of its vineyards.

Over the years, Château Rauzan-Ségla has changed hands several times, with each owner contributing to its legacy. In 1994, the estate was acquired by the Wertheimer family, owners of the Chanel fashion house. Under their ownership, significant investments were made in both the vineyard and the winery, leading to a renaissance at Rauzan-Ségla. Today, under the guidance of technical director Nicolas Audebert, Château Rauzan-Ségla continues to produce wines that are both reflective of their exceptional terroir and imbued with a modern sense of elegance.

The Terroir of Château Rauzan-Ségla

The terroir of Château Rauzan-Ségla is one of its most defining characteristics, contributing significantly to the quality and style of its wines. The estate's 70 hectares of vineyards are situated on the finest gravel soils of Margaux, which are composed of deep layers of gravel mixed with clay and limestone. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety at Rauzan-Ségla, which thrives in these conditions and contributes to the structure, depth, and ageing potential of the wines.

The vineyard is planted with approximately 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate's dedication to capturing the unique qualities of its terroir, where Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone of the wine, Merlot adds richness and suppleness, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc contribute aromatic complexity and spice.

The estate benefits from its location within Margaux, where the climate is tempered by the proximity to the Gironde estuary. This microclimate helps to moderate temperatures and reduce the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. The combination of these factors allows Château Rauzan-Ségla to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Rauzan-Ségla

The winemaking process at Château Rauzan-Ségla is a meticulous balance of tradition and innovation. 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 20 months, with around 60% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, 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.