Address: Château Desmirail 33460 Cantenac France
Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 88 34 33
Website: www.desmirail.com
Visits: By appointment only
Details: Margaux (Cantenac), 3ème cru classé, 30ha, gravel/pebbles, sand & clay
Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Merlot Noir 15%, Cabernet Franc 5%
History:
Once part of sprawling Rauzan estate, the original esate was founded by Jean Desmirail at close of the 17th century, and remained in his family for almost 200 years. But a chequered ownership followed. By 1855 classification it was owned by M Sipière (he also managed Chateau Margaux), whilst in 1914 the estate was confiscated from its German owner, nephew of composer Felix Mendelssohn. A Martial Michel oversaw affairs until 1938: he sold the smart château (built by Sipière) to Paul Zuger of Château Marquis d’Alesme Becker, and the vineyard itself to Château Palmer. It wasn’t until the estate had been gradually recreated by Lucien Lurton later in the 20th century that Desmirail reappeared as an independent wine label, in time for the 1981 vintage. He ran the business until 1992, ceding to son Denis.
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