Cantemerle, Chateau
Summary
Château Cantemerle is a historic Fifth Growth estate in the southern Haut-Médoc with 91 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant vineyards planted on well-draining Quaternary gravel soils with clay-limestone subsoil. The property maintains traditional Bordeaux winemaking through parcel-specific fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and 12-16 month oak aging, while incorporating sustainable vineyard practices that honor its heritage dating to the 14th century.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Cantemerle stands as one of the oldest wine estates in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, with documented history dating back to the 14th century. The estate's name first appeared in records from 1354 when the Caupène family, lords of Cantemerle, owned the property. The château gained historical significance in 1855 when it was classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) in the Official Bordeaux Wine Classification, though notably, it was initially omitted and added to the list after Baron de Luze, then-owner, successfully petitioned for its inclusion.
After passing through several families over the centuries, including the Villeneuve and Dubos families, Château Cantemerle was acquired by the Cordier group in 1970. The current ownership began in 1981 when SMABTP (Société Mutuelle d'Assurance du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics), a French insurance group, purchased the estate. Under SMABTP's stewardship, Philippe Dambrine served as director for over three decades until 2013, when Laure Canu took over management responsibilities.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Cantemerle encompasses 94 hectares in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation, with 91 hectares dedicated to vineyards. The estate sits near the commune of Macau, positioned between the appellations of Margaux and Saint-Julien. The vineyard plantings consist of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, reflecting the classic Bordeaux left bank composition.
The vineyards benefit from the region's characteristic gravel soils, specifically Garonne gravel from the Quaternary period, which provides excellent drainage and heat retention. These soils rest upon a clay-limestone subsoil that helps maintain moisture during dry periods. The vineyard parcels are situated at modest elevations between 5 and 20 meters above sea level, with vines averaging 30 years of age.
The estate produces approximately 400,000 bottles annually across two wines: the grand vin Château Cantemerle and the second wine, Les Allées de Cantemerle, introduced in 1982 to maintain quality standards for the first wine.
Philosophy & Practice
Château Cantemerle adheres to traditional Bordeaux winemaking methods while incorporating modern technology to enhance precision. Harvest is conducted parcel by parcel, with grapes sorted twice—once in the vineyard and again at the winery—to ensure only optimal fruit enters production.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats of varying sizes, allowing for precise vinification of individual vineyard parcels. The estate employs a moderate extraction approach, with maceration lasting approximately three weeks. Malolactic fermentation occurs partially in vats and partially in barrels.
For aging, the grand vin matures for 12 to 16 months in French oak barrels, with 40-60% new oak depending on the vintage characteristics. The second wine sees less new oak, typically around 20-30%, and a shorter aging period. Final blending decisions are made through careful tasting sessions that focus on achieving balance and expressing the estate's terroir.
In the vineyards, Cantemerle has implemented sustainable practices including the reduction of chemical treatments, cover cropping between rows to prevent erosion and promote soil health, and water management systems to optimize irrigation when necessary.