Château Marquis de Terme 2011

A fine red wine from Margaux, balanced and delicate

The estate

The Château Marquis de Terme proudly rests in the heart of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of Bordeaux. The origins of this vineyard date back to the 15th century, but the estate took on its current name in the 18th century when the Marquis de Terme took over the running of the estate. Since 1935, the Sénéclauze family has owned this estate, a true reference among the great Margaux wines.

The vineyard

Château Marquis de Terme’s 39.5-hectare vineyard is planted on deep gravel soils, a typical feature of the Margaux appellation, made up of thick quartz and quartzite. Some plots are more clayey. The vineyard is 35 years old on average and is managed in a plot-by-plot manner, with a respect for the environment.

The vintage

The year 2011 was characterised by a record-high lack of water in over the last thirty years. The exceptionally mild spring, particularly in April, was ideal for the rapid and early development of the vineyard. The first leaves appeared at the beginning of April, about ten days ahead of schedule. Although the vegetative cycle then took place 2 to 3 weeks ahead of schedule, it slowed down due to the heavy rainfall and cool weather in July and August.

The vinification and ageing

Plot selection. Manual harvesting. Rigorous sorting in the vineyard and in the cellar in order to keep only the best quality grapes. Vatting by gravity-flow without pumping over. Vinification in temperature-controlled concrete tanks. Aged for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (60%)

Merlot (38%)

Petit verdot (2%).