Marquis d'Alesme, Chateau
Summary
Château Marquis d'Alesme is a 15-hectare Third Growth estate in Margaux producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blends from deep gravel soils that benefit from the temperature-moderating influence of the nearby Gironde estuary. Under the Perrodo family's ownership since 2006, the estate maintains traditional practices including hand harvesting, parcel-by-parcel vinification, and 18-month aging in French oak while embracing a cultural fusion that honors both Bordeaux heritage and the family's Chinese roots.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Marquis d'Alesme, classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, traces its origins to the 18th century when it was established by the Marquis d'Alesme Becker. The estate changed hands several times throughout its history before being acquired by the Perrodo family in 2006. Hubert Perrodo, a French entrepreneur with Chinese heritage, purchased the property, but following his unexpected death shortly after acquisition, his daughter Nathalie Perrodo-Samani took leadership of the estate.
Under Nathalie Perrodo-Samani's direction, Château Marquis d'Alesme underwent a comprehensive transformation. The family invested substantially in both the vineyard and winery facilities, completing an extensive renovation in 2015. The château's architectural redesign notably incorporates elements reflecting the family's Asian heritage alongside traditional Bordeaux aesthetics. Ludovic David serves as the estate's technical director, overseeing both viticulture and winemaking operations, while working closely with consultant Marielle Cazaux.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 15 hectares of vineyards situated in the Margaux appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The vineyard parcels occupy prime terroir with deep gravel soils typical of the Margaux region, providing excellent drainage and heat retention that benefits the vines during the growing season. The property's proximity to the Gironde estuary helps moderate temperature extremes.
The vineyard is planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), complemented by Merlot (35%), Petit Verdot (5%), and Cabernet Franc (5%). This planting composition reflects the classic Left Bank preference for Cabernet Sauvignon while maintaining sufficient Merlot to add suppleness to the final blends. The estate produces approximately 60,000 bottles annually of its grand vin, Château Marquis d'Alesme, and a second wine called La Marquise d'Alesme.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Château Marquis d'Alesme balances traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision. Harvest is conducted by hand with careful sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with each vineyard parcel vinified separately to preserve its distinct characteristics.
The grand vin typically ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 50% new oak used each vintage. The estate practices plot-by-plot vineyard management, adapting viticultural techniques to the specific needs of each parcel. The completed winery facility, designed during the 2015 renovation, features gravity-flow principles to minimize mechanical intervention with the grapes and must. This technical investment reflects the Perrodo family's commitment to quality production while honoring the estate's historical significance within the Margaux appellation.