Château d'Issan
Château d'Issan
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
History of Château d'Issan, Cantenac
Château d'Issan enjoyed a tradition of prestige long before the official classification in 1855, when it was recognized as the 3rd Grand Cru Classé. Its reputation dates back to the late 12th century, with wines supposedly served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet, the future King of England, on May 18, 1152. At the end of the 19th century, the estate was again invited to the Austrian court: Château d'Issan is said to have been Emperor Franz Joseph's favorite wine. This fact underlines the quality and renown of Château d'Issan wine, which was already highly prized at the time.
In the meantime, through inheritance and marriage, the château passed through the hands of numerous families, each contributing in their own way to its renown. In 1776, Château d'Issan appeared in Labadie's nomenclature, a reference document drawn up by the father of brokers. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson, future American president and great wine lover, included Château d'Issan in his famous selection of Bordeaux vineyards, thus affirming the estate's eminent place on the international scene. Notable anecdotes, such as the Battle of Castillon when the routed English emptied the Château d'Issan cellars, also attest to the reputation of its wines. Subsequently, the Château belonged to the Foix de Candale family, then to Jean-Baptiste Duluc in 1824, who undertook several renovations to the vineyard. The estate was then sold to the Blanchy family, and it was in 1866 that the first winery was built and the vines replanted, when Gustave Roy took over. Lionel Cruse, son of Emmanuel I, managed Château d'Issan until his retirement in 1998, when he handed over the reins to his son Emmanuel Cruse II.
As a result, Château d'Issan has been consistently distinguished by the quality of its wines and recognized by influential figures, consolidating its place as a leading wine estate.
Baron d'Essenault, original owner of Château d'Issan
Under the ownership of Baron d'Essenault, the ancient seigneury was demolished to make way for today's fortified château, retaining a few medieval touches. Today, Château d'Issan is owned equally by the Lorenzetti family, who also own Pédesclaux, Lafon Rochet and Lilian Laouys, and the Emmanuel Cruse family, who manage it. In 2012, Françoise and Jacky Lorenzetti joined forces with the Cruse family to continue enhancing the wines of Château d'Issan.
The Terroir of Château d'Issan, Margaux
Nestled in the heart of the Margaux appellation, this estate enjoys an enviable geographical location. Its temperate climate, influenced by the proximity of the ocean and the estuary, creates optimal conditions for vine growth and grape development.
Château d'Issan's terroir is a harmonious fusion of soil and climate, two essential elements that shape the distinctive personality of its wines. Gravel on the surface and clay at depth offer a perfect balance of ripeness and freshness for the emblematic grape varieties. The soil, made up of gravelly hilltops and alluvial hills, in places reaching depths of over fifteen meters, plays a crucial role in the exceptional quality of the wines. Its ability to drain water quickly forces the vines to develop deep roots, enabling them to absorb the essential nutrients and minerals that contribute to Château d'Issan's unique identity.
#WINES FROM THE DOMAIN: Appellations and Cuvées
The Margaux appellation
The Margaux appellation, located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, is renowned for its exceptional red wines. It benefits from a unique terroir with well-drained gravel soils and a climate tempered by the Atlantic, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Margaux wines are distinguished by their elegance, aromatic complexity and silky tannins, with aromas of red and black fruits, flowers and spices. Home to prestigious crus such as Château Margaux and Château Palmer, this appellation symbolizes the excellence and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking.
See our full selection of Margaux wines
Château d'Issan wines
Château d'Issan Margaux 3rd Grand Cru Classé
Blason d'Issan Margaux
Haut-Médoc d'Issan
Moulin d'Issan
Château d'Issan offers a varied selection of wines, each representing a unique expression of its exceptional terroir. Its flagship wine, ranked 3rd Grand Cru in the 1855 imperial classification, comes from the old vines of the estate's main enclosure, right in the heart of the Margaux appellation. This wine embodies excellence and sophistication, faithfully reflecting the typicity of its terroir.
Blason d'Issan, introduced in 1995, is the estate's second wine. It is made from younger vines while retaining the characteristic essence of the Château d'Issan terroir. Offering a generous, fruity profile, this wine is designed to be enjoyed in its youth, while providing an authentic, pleasurable experience.
Haut-Médoc d'Issan is a limited edition produced from parcels located 5 km west of the estate, in the commune of Arsac in the Haut-Médoc A.O.C. region. Using mainly traditional Médoc grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine embodies the power and authenticity of its appellation.
Finally, Moulin d'Issan comes from parcels in the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation, located near the Gironde estuary. Available since 1988, this wine offers an accessible, convivial experience, highlighting the richness and suppleness of its Bordeaux origins. With an annual production of around 40,000 bottles, Moulin d'Issan is an invitation to discover the diversity and quality of Château d'Issan wines.
The best vintages of Château d'Issan; 1998, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023
How much does Château d'Issan red wine cost?
The price of a bottle of Château d'Issan depends on several factors, including the vintage, the cuvée, its rarity and market demand. Older vintages and special cuvées can often fetch higher prices due to their prestige and ageing potential. To buy online, visit our website and discover our wide selection of Château d'Issan.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation : Margaux, Haut-Médoc
Surface area : 53 hectares (100% Red)
Red grape varieties : 35% Merlot, 65% Cabernet-Sauvignon
Vine cultivation : Reasoned