A stroll through the Bordeaux vineyards, between Margaux and Pauillac
THE Bordeaux vineyards are renowned for their exceptional wines, each with a rich history and authenticity. This journey through the heart of the terroirs of Margaux and in Pauillac, we will discover three prestigious châteaux: the Château Durfort-Vivens, THE Château Ferrière and the Château Haut-Bages LibéralThese châteaux, nurtured by family legacies and an unwavering passion for winemaking, exemplify the richness and diversity of Bordeaux's great wines. Through this exploration, you will discover how innovation, respect for tradition, and biodiversity shape these iconic wines.
Château Durfort-Vivens : a forward-thinking vision
A family legacy
THE Château Durfort-Vivens, 2nd Cru Classé in 1855 Margaux, is deeply linked to the Lurton family. Lucien Lurton, a fervent defender of the Médoc terroir, knew how to protect and pass on this heritage to his children. In the 1950s and 1960s, faced with the economic crisis and the threat of urbanization, he successively bought up wine estates. His son Gonzague inherited the estate in 1992. Château Durfort-Vivens and is committed to restoring the reputation of the family property.
A Margaux exceptional
Stimulated by the potential of domaine, Gonzague Lurton takes on the challenge of restoring the image of Château Durfort-Vivens. Going against the trends of the 1990s, he strives to create a distinctive wine that remains true to the authenticity of the terroir. This choice to do things differently, sometimes against the grain of criticism, drives Gonzague Lurton to work with determination and perseverance to define the unique style of Durfort-Vivens.
Biodynamics and terracotta jars: a pure and unique style
In 2009, Gonzague begins converting the vineyard to biodynamic farming, convinced that this method will reveal the essence of the terroir. In 2016, he obtained organic and biodynamic certifications, making Château Durfort-Vivens the first of the Classified Growths of Margaux to be doubly certified. This approach allows the purity and precision of the wines to be highlighted.
Since 2018, part of the aging process has taken place in amphorae, thus preserving the freshness and authenticity of the fruit. Today, Château Durfort-Vivens owns the largest amphora cellar in the world.
CHÂTEAU DURFORT-VIVENS
MARGAUX
Château Ferrière a feminine and biodynamic renaissance
THE Château Ferrière, 3rd Grand Cru Classé, experienced a revival in 1988 thanks to the Villars family. Claire Villars-Lurton, Having taken up the mantle from her mother Bernadette, she is the second successive generation of women to head this estate. Her passion and commitment to biodynamic viticulture have revived the reputation of the domaine.
The Médoc branch of biodynamic agriculture
At 32 years old, Claire Villars-Lurton metamorphosis the production of Château Ferrière by banning chemicals and restoring biodiversity. In 2015, the property obtained certification organic farming followed by biodynamic certifications Demeter in 2018 and Biodyvin in 2019. Claire transforms the Château Ferrière into a model of sustainable viticulture. Thanks to hard work, she has been able to restore to Château Ferrière the legitimacy of its 3rd place ranking Grand Cru Classé. Claire Villars-Lurton She will pass on a healthy vineyard to her children, as she affirms: "You can't constantly talk about the terroir without doing something to protect it." This biodynamic farming method inspires and encourages others to follow suit in the surrounding area. Château Ferrière It then became the Médoc branch of the Biodynamic Agriculture Movement (MABD) and organized gatherings twice a year at the property.
CHÂTEAU FERRIÈRE
MARGAUX
Château Haut-Bages Libéral : the excellence of Pauillac and ecological balance
The history of the property
Château Haut-Bages Libéral has seen many owners come and go since its origins in the early 18th century. In 2000, Claire Villars-Lurton, Representing the third generation of the Merlaut family, she undertook to give new impetus to the property. To this end, she planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the vineyard plateau in order to fully exploit the potential of the terroir.
An exceptional terroir in Pauillac
The vineyard, situated on a limestone ridge and deep gravel, benefits from an exceptional location at Pauillac. The proximity to the Gironde estuary adds a unique dimension, bringing a favorable microclimate and a biodiversity Rich. All these elements give the wines a distinctive mineral character.
Environmentally friendly agriculture
The vineyard of Château Haut-Bages Libéral is certified organic farming since 2019 and has obtained certification Demeter biodynamic in 2021. For over 15 years, the estate has prioritized agroecology and agroforestry to offer a vineyard in perfect harmony with its ecosystem. Thanks to this, the wines produced are powerful, brilliant And living.
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL
PAUILLAC
Winemaker of the Year
In January 2024, Claire Villars-Lurton, owner of Château Ferrière and of the Château Haut-Bages Libéral, was honored by the Review of Vin de France as “Winemaker of the Year,” in recognition of her commitment to sustainable and innovative viticulture. Her determination and respect for tradition were praised by the magazine's experts, thus confirming her place among the leading figures of Bordeaux winemaking.
This stroll through the vineyards of Château Durfort-Vivens, of Château Ferrière and of the Château Haut-Bages Libéral These estates reveal the owners' commitment to wine quality, innovation, and environmental preservation. They perfectly illustrate the richness and diversity of Bordeaux's great wines.
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