Chateau du Tertre is one of Bordeaux's oldest wine estates, producing elegant and subtle blends since the 12th century. Based on one of Margaux's highest gravelly hilltops, du Tertre has held its original 52-hectare vineyard since its birth, gaining a 5th Growth classification in 1855. In 2021, the chateau was acquired by the Helfrich family, managers of the trading company Les Grands Chais de France.
Chateau du Tertre: Classed Margaux Wine
Chateau du Tertre dates back more than 1000 years, first known as Tertre d'Arsac due to its high volume of vines located in the Arsac commune. During this time, the Arsac seigneury owned the estate for over 400 years, during which Pierre Mitchell, an astute Bordeaux glassblower, created the first Jeroboam bottle. Then, in the 17th century, the famed de Segur family purchased du Tertre, adding the chateau to its portfolio, which included Lafiite, Mouton, Latour, Calon Segur, and Phelan Segur. The chateau was later classified as a Fifth Growth during the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and retained a reputation as one of the greatest Margaux wines until the 20th century.
Following widespread vineyard damage during the World Wars and the 1956 Bordeaux frost, Chateau du Tertre had a significant amount of vines replanted under the new proprietor, Philippe Gasqueton. The new owner helped to rehabilitate du Tertre's reputation, though its modern-day renown can be attributed to the Albada Jelgersma family. Better known as AJ Domaines, the family hired Alexander van Beek to manage the chateau, and under his authority, du Tertre replanted its vineyard and discontinued the use of machine harvesting.
Van Beek led du Tertre to consistent 90+ ratings from Robert Parker, who labelled the estate, "a perennial underachiever now on the move up!"
After 25 years of ownership, AJ Domaines sold the chateau to the Helfrich family in 2021, opting to allocate more time and resources to the neighboring Chateau Giscours. The new proprietors have continued du Tertre's renaissance and look to produce more wines than the previous owners.
Chateau du Tertre Margaux Terroir
Chateau du Tertre gains its name from its location in Margaux, with the chateau set on the highest gravelly hilltop in the appellation. Its name translates to "mound" or "rising ground" in English, and with 52 original hectares of land, it remains one of the area's largest and oldest vineyards. The site is planted to 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 11% Cabernet Franc, with a small 6-hectare plot allocated to white wine production; this plot contains 40% Chardonnay, 28% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Viognier, and 12% Gros Manseng.
The gravelly topsoil and clay subsoils create excellent natural drainage, forcing the vines to dig deep for nutrients and minerals. Consequently, the ripened fruit displays immense silkiness, freshness, and suppleness.
Each vintage is hand-harvested and farmed with biodynamic techniques. Beginning in 2008, du Tertre planted hedgerows to shelter the vines from predators and pests, while using plant and animal matter as organic fertilizers. Only 80% of the vineyard is farmed biodynamically today, though the chateau hopes to push that number to 100% within the next 5 years.
Following the harvest, the fruit is selected using an optical sorter, and then is taken to a crushing machine, which flows into concrete, wood, and stainless steel vats. The winner contains four egg-shaped concrete vats, some of the first in all of Bordeaux.
Chateau du Tertre Bordeaux Wine Portfolio
In addition to the flagship du Tertre, the chateau produces a second label, Les Hauts du Tertre, and a white wine, Tertre Blanc. Chateau du Tertre has been acclaimed for its opulent, round, and complex style, with the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon varietal providing the main structure and silkiness of the wines. Furthermore, the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot harmonize the palette with balance, freshness, and volume.
Les Hauts du Tertre
Les Hauts du Tertre is Chateau du Tertre's second wine, crafted for approachable drinking in its youth. Bottles are crafted with the same meticulous care and processes as the Grand Vin, showcasing a new facet of du Tertre.
Tertre Blanc
Tertre Blanc is the white wine of Chateau du Tertre, first crafted in the 2014 vintage. The wine is a composition of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and a small portion of Gros Manseng. Once blended, Tertre Blanc features beautiful golden hues, fruit aromas, and a full-bodied profile.
Add Chateau du Tertre to Your Cellar
Chateau du Tertre provides one of Bordeaux's most elegant and historic wines at an approachable price, with bottles consistently under $100. Celebrated for its elegance, opulence, and trademark Margaux style, Chateau du Tertre is the perfect everyday drinker for Bordeaux lovers looking to add a small-production wine to their cellars.
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