Pavillon Blanc 2020

The purity of a Chateau Margaux white wine

The estate

With origins dating back to the 12th century, Chateau Margaux is a legendary estate and one of the most prestigious Classified Growths of Bordeaux. In 1855, the chateau was awarded the title of First Classified Growth and was one of only four estates to obtain a rating of twenty out of twenty. With the acquisition of the property by André Mentzelopoulos in 1977, Chateau Margaux is today writing a new page in its history. Originally known as "the Sauvignon of Chateau Margaux", the white wine of the property has become "Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux" with a label that has remained unchanged since 1920. An exceptional vintage produced in very limited quantities, the Pavillon Blanc was made in the new ultra-modern winery designed by the architect Norman Foster.

The vineyard

The Chateau Margaux vineyard owes its unique character to its rare terroir, situated upon an outcropping of gravel. The vineyard of the property gives pride of place to the area's flagship red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, which is complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The clay-limestone soils of the estate produce legendary wines with a distinguished and sensual allure, so representative of the Margaux appellation.

The wine

The 2020 vintage celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Pavillon Blanc bottling by Chateau Margaux. This is a wine produced in the Bordeaux dry white wines appellation and is the successor to the “Chateau Margaux vin blanc de Sauvignon,” produced since the 18th century.

The vintage

The year 2020 was marked by some of the highest temperatures ever recorded, due in particular to successive peaks of heat, and a particularly hot and dry summer. The rainy days at the end of 2019 preceded a very mild winter, leading to early bud burst (from March 22 to 26, depending on the grape variety, i.e. 10 days ahead of the norm). While the high temperatures in spring promoted homogeneous flowering without coulure or millerandage, the heavy rainfall led to strong pest pressure, which was controlled by the teams at the chateau. The summer season brought heat waves and drought. No rain was recorded from June 19 to August 10. Veraison took place between July 23 and 26. The thunderstorms during the month of August reduced the impact of water stress by lowering the temperature, thus limiting the sunburn of the grapes and helping to conserve the acid potential of the fruit. Ideal conditions characterized the month of September, with sunny days, low rainfall and cool nights recorded. The harvest began on August 24 with the primary objective being to preserve the acidity of the grapes, a major element lending aromatic freshness and persistence to the palate.

The blend

The Pavillon Blanc 2020 by Chateau Margaux was made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

The tasting

Product of a rigorous selection and made from only the very best lots, the Pavillon Blanc 2020 by Chateau Margaux seduces with its elegance, subtlety and purity.