Kirwan, Chateau
Summary
Château Kirwan is a historic Third Growth estate in Margaux spanning 37 hectares of Quaternary gravel plateaus, where the Schÿler family (owners since 1925) cultivates primarily Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blends across 46 distinct vineyard parcels. The estate balances tradition with innovation through its gravity-fed cellar and temperature-controlled fermentation, producing approximately 120,000 bottles annually across its grand vin and second wine while maintaining sustainable viticulture practices that express Margaux's distinctive character.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Kirwan traces its origins to the early 18th century when it was acquired by Mark Kirwan, an Irish merchant who gave the estate its current name. The property had previously belonged to the noble Seignouret family. In 1855, Château Kirwan was classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the Official Bordeaux Wine Classification, cementing its position among the distinguished properties of the Margaux appellation.
The Schÿler family, established Bordeaux wine merchants since 1739, acquired Château Kirwan in 1925 and continues to own and manage the estate today. The property is currently directed by Sophie Schÿler-Thierry, who works alongside her brother Yann and sister Nathalie Schÿler, representing the family's eighth generation of ownership. In 2007, the château underwent significant renovations to modernize its winemaking facilities while preserving its historical architecture, including the distinctive chartreuse-style main building that dates to the 18th century.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Kirwan encompasses 37 hectares of vineyards situated on the gravel plateaus of Cantenac in the Margaux appellation. The vineyard is planted with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot, with an average vine age of 30 years. The soil composition consists primarily of deep Quaternary gravel, providing excellent drainage and heat retention that benefits the predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon plantings.
The estate produces approximately 120,000 bottles annually across two wines: Château Kirwan, the grand vin, and Les Charmes de Kirwan, the second wine introduced in 1993. The vineyard is divided into 46 distinct parcels, each vinified separately to preserve their individual characteristics. The property benefits from its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates temperature extremes and reduces the risk of frost damage during spring.
Philosophy & Practice
At Château Kirwan, vineyard management follows a plot-by-plot approach, with each parcel harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified separately. The winemaking team employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats of varying sizes, allowing for precise lot-by-lot vinification. The grand vin typically ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 40-50% new oak used each vintage.
In 2012, the estate completed construction of a gravity-fed cellar designed to minimize mechanical intervention during the winemaking process. This technical innovation allows for gentler handling of the grapes and must, preserving fruit integrity. The château practices sustainable viticulture, implementing water conservation measures and maintaining biodiversity through cover crops between vine rows. The selection process for the grand vin is rigorous, with approximately 50% of the harvest designated for the second wine, ensuring that only the finest lots are included in Château Kirwan.