Château Margaux derives a great part of its prestige from its exceptional site, or terroir if you will, spread out over 80 hectares or some 200 acres, comprised of gravel mounds and gravelly marl soils that benefit from excellent drainage both man-made and natural (the Lestonnat stream).
During the selection process, the best vats are identified for the main Château Margaux wine, with the remaining ones going to the second wine, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, which has existed since 1908. The principal wine is aged in 100% new oak barrels, as is the case for all the first growths of Bordeaux. The barrel-aging lasts in general two years.
On average, some 130,000 bottles of Château Margaux and 130,000 bottles of Pavillon Rouge are produced every year, as well as 15,000 bottles of a delicious dry white wine reputed for its distinctive but subtle bouquet. This Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux is sourced from 12 hectares (30 acres) of white grapevines, 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
