Chateau Tertre Margaux

Château du Tertre in Margaux can trace its history back to the 12th century. The estate has 50 hectares of vineyards, neighbouring Cantenac-Brown and Brane-Cantenac to the north and Giscours to the east. In 2021, the estate was sold by the Albada Jelgersma family to a French institutional investor; it is run by the Helfrich family of Les Grands Chais de France.

The vineyard has a relatively high percentage of Cabernet Franc for this part of Bordeaux, though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the plantings, supported by Merlot and a little Petit Verdot.

The terroir is mostly gravel, with some sand soils on two, gentle, sloping hills. The elevation close to the chateau graduates up to 27 meters, making it one of the highest peaks in the Margaux appellation. The location for much of the vineyard is situated close to a forest, which produces a slightly cooler, micro-climate. The cooler ambient temperature adds more freshness to the wines. Geographically, they are next to their sister property, Chateau Giscours. In fact, only a small stream separates the two vineyards. Their best parcels are located just behind the chateau, and as well as on the peaks of their gravel hills.

Du Tertre has been using higher proportions of Petit Verdot in their blends since 2010, and it has really paid off. It smooths the rich top notes of the vintage and gives the wine a more supportive tannic structure. The bouquet is lovely, enhanced by the floral notes of Cabernet Franc, and the palate is controlled and suave