Chateau Desmirail
Margaux has several famous names, but Desmirail is rarely the first one people mention. Nevertheless, this wine was classified as a Third Growth in the 1855 classification, and the winery describes its wines as characterized by elegance and finesse rather than power, a self-description that is quintessentially Margaux.
This blend primarily uses Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and Merlot for softness, with Petit Verdot added in some vintages and, more recently, Cabernet Franc. In addition, Château Desmirail offers themed tours throughout the year covering topics such as history, architecture, terroir, and classification systems.
History
Many Bordeaux estates are named after a previous owner. The same applies to Desmirail, though not after its original owner.
This land was originally owned by Marguerite Rauzan du Ribail. However, the name of her husband, Jean-Baptiste Desmirail, became established, and Château Desmirail has used that name ever since. This vineyard itself clearly illustrates just how strange that situation is.
In 1855, when Bordeaux's Left Bank vineyards were classified, Desmirail was classified as a third-growth vineyard. That classification is still indicated on the label as Margaux Grand Cru Classé en 1855.
The vineyards
Desmirail explains its philosophy simply and clearly: wine is a product of the Margaux terroir, and what that terroir offers is elegance and finesse.
Vineyard management is also carried out in the same practical manner. Each growing season brings its own unique challenges, such as pest and disease issues, and rather than following a set schedule, the winery adjusts its approach to suit the specific conditions of each vintage.
This is evident in the finished wine. The balance of grape varieties varies significantly from vintage to vintage, a result of blending based on the characteristics of that particular year rather than a fixed recipe.
The grapes
Margaux allows for five red varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère. Desmirail uses four of these, excluding Carmenère.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A variety that forms the complexity and tannic structure
- Merlot: Used to add smoothness and richness
- Petit Verdot: Used in small quantities; accounts for about 5% of the blend in the years it is produced
- Cabernet Franc: A variety added to the blend relatively recently
The ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot is flexible. In some years, Cabernet dominates, resulting in a ratio closer to 60 to 40; in other years, the blend is split exactly 50-50; and in certain vintages, Merlot makes up a larger proportion. This is by no means a coincidence. This is because the winery blends its wines according to the conditions of that year's harvest rather than adhering to a fixed blend ratio.
Winemaking
The fermentation and maceration processes combined take nearly three weeks in total.
The decision on when to separate the juice from the marc (the skins and seeds remaining after fermentation) is based on tasting, not on time. The decision is made after multiple tastings.
The marc is then pressed. This pressed juice has a more robust structure than free-run wine and, when blending various grape varieties, is recombined to become part of the final blend rather than a separate lot.
One wine, built to be drunk
The Grand Vin is Château Desmirail, a red Margaux from a blend of Bordeaux grape varieties.
Cabernet Sauvignon adds complexity, Merlot adds smoothness, and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc complement these qualities.
The stated goal is to create wines with two distinct charms. While young wines are dominated by fruit aromas, their complexity becomes more pronounced after several years of bottle aging.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Château Desmirail rank in the 1855 classification?
It is a third growth (troisième cru classé) in Margaux, classified in 1855.
Who is the estate actually named after?
Jean-Baptiste Desmirail, the husband of Marguerite Rauzan du Ribail, who was the original owner of the property.
Can you visit the château?
Yes. Château Desmirail is open all year with themed tours, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm, daily from May to the end of October and Monday to Friday from November to the end of April, with an annual closure in week 52. It also hosts private and corporate events.
Which grape is left out of the blend?
Carmenère. It is permitted in Margaux, but Desmirail vinifies only Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
