Chateau D'Issan | Wine Time

Chateau D'Issan is located in the Margaux area of the famous village on the left bank of Bordeaux, adjacent to Chateau Giscours. Before the 17th century, it was owned by Segur, who owned the largest number of chateaus in Bordeaux at the time. In 1855, the Branchy family became the new owners, and the winery was rated as a third-level chateau among the 61 Bordeaux classified chateaus. At that time, only Lafite, Latour, and Margaux were among the famous chateaus. The five major wineries (Margaux), Beychevelle (Dragon Boat) and D'Issan (Dixian) use the word "Chateau", which is the castle.

Located in the heart of the Margaux production area, Chateau D'Issan enjoys a unique geographical advantage. It is close to the estuary, has a mild climate, and the soil is mainly gravel and impact soil. It has good drainage, which is conducive to the grapevines taking root and absorbing nutrients. The winery currently has 59 hectares of vineyards, of which 44 hectares are in the Margaux production area, 5 hectares are in the Haut-Medoc production area, and the remaining 10 hectares belong to the Bordeaux Superieur production area. The winery mainly grows Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the ace varieties of Bordeaux's Left Bank. Among them, 44 hectares of vineyards in the Margaux area are planted with 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. The average age of the grapevines is 35 years.

The winery harvests the grapes by hand, then selects the fruit through two rounds of sorting, and then transports the grapes from different plots into different fermentation tanks through a gravity system. The winery uses temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The tank capacity ranges from 7,000 to 20,000 liters. During the fermentation, the skins are macerated for 18-24 days. During this process, the skins are also soaked to extract color, tannin and aroma. substance. After fermentation is complete, the wine from different plots is aged in French oak barrels. Among them, the main wine is aged for 16-18 months, with a new barrel ratio of 50%; the second wine is aged for 14-16 months, with a new barrel ratio of about 35%. In addition, the winery uses traditional candles every 3 months. The test method is used to perform a clear analysis of the wine. Blending and blending will be carried out between January and February of the following year. The winery’s winemaking consultant Eric Boissenot, owner Emmanuel Cruse, technical director Eric Pellon and cellar director Herve Bunel will jointly decide on the final blending ratio.

Chateau D'Issan has always been selected as the special wine for important occasions such as royal banquets and weddings. It is very popular among many European royal members. Therefore, even without the blessing of the 1855 third growth title, the quality and reputation of Chateau D'Issan have already been established. Get supporting evidence. For example, as early as 1152, the real wine of Chateau d'Issan was selected as the wine for the wedding banquet of Henri Plantagenet, who later became the king of England. In 1787, future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson included the chateau in his list of famous Bordeaux chateaux. At the end of the 19th century, the wines of Chateau D'Issan were favored by the Austrian Emperor Franz-Joseph. It was this emperor who inscribed the motto for the estate: "Regum mensis aris que deorum" (Tribute to the King, Sacrifice to the Altar). “The motto is also engraved on an ashlar stone above the gate of the manor.

Chateau d'Issan

The real wine is matured for 16-18 months, with 50% new barrels. The wine will be clarified every 3 months using the traditional candle detection method. Blending and blending will be carried out between January and February of the following year, with an annual output of nearly 100,000 bottles. The wine has a deep color and beautiful fruit aroma, with flavors of ripe blackcurrants, vanilla, tobacco leaves and truffles. The tannins at the entrance are fine and firm, the wine body is obvious, and the aftertaste is long-lasting and beautiful, reflecting the typical Margaux style. This wine has the unique delicate aroma of Margaux, while also showing a powerful and tenacious side.

Blason d'Issan

The second wine is aged for 14-16 months, and the proportion of new barrels is about 35%. The wine will be clarified every 3 months using the traditional candle detection method. Blending and blending will be carried out between January and February of the following year, with an annual output of nearly 120,000 bottles. Made from fruit from the estate's youngest vineyards, this wine showcases the local terroir, with aromas of blackcurrant, cherry and flowers, accompanied by spices, and a powerful, vibrant and fresh taste.

Moulin d’Issan

The Bordeaux vineyard is famous for its heterogeneity of topsoil and subsoil. The vineyards of the Bordeaux Superieur appellation of this estate are located on the right side of the ancient avenue leading to Chateau d'Issan. These parks are closest to the mouth of the Gironde River. The local soil is mainly limestone and clay, so it is suitable for the growth of Merlot grape, which is the main planting variety in this park.

This red wine is usually blended with 90% Merlot, which is unique in the Medoc region. Standing in the middle of the vineyards are the ruins of the ancient windmill of the same name, a seventeenth-century building. This red wine combines the rich, soft and fruity qualities of its origin and entered the sales market in 1988. Its annual output is nearly 40,000 bottles.

Le Haut-Medoc d'Issan Haut-Medoc d'Issan

The grapes currently used to make this red wine come from the planting area five kilometers west of the manor. This land is located in the small town of Arsac in the Haut-Medoc A.O.C. legal production area and is adjacent to the classified winery vineyards. The annual production of Le Haut-Medoc d'Issan is limited, about 18,000 bottles, and the grapes selected are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the main varieties grown in the Medoc region.