Château Cantenac-Brown

Château Cantenac-Brown is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes Crus (Third Growths) in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.^[1] The Chateau has 118 acres (0.48 km²) planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Chateau produces a second wine labeled as Brio de Cantenac-Brown.^[2]

History of the Estate

In 1806, John Lewis Brown, a French from Scottish origins bought a vineyard in Cantenac and gave his name to the estate. He built a Tudor Revival castle, unique in Médoc. His grandson, John Lewis Brown, an esteemed painter, lived in the castle during his childhood.

In 1843, Mr. Gromard bought the estate and sold it to Armand Lalande, a Bordeaux wine merchant, after the Classification of 1855. Mr. Lalande extended the building and the vineyard.

In 2006, the Simon Halabi family decided to give the estate a new impetus, wanting to raise it to the highest level.

Terroir

Since 1996, José Sanfins has been practicing sustainable viticulture, trying to make the best of the terroir of the Château Cantenac Brown.

The vineyard covers 118 acres (48 ha) and is composed of 30% Merlot, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the average age of the vines is 35 years old.

Wines

The estate produces four wines :

• The Grand Vin, Château Cantenac Brown, Margaux, ages in French oak barrels.

• The second label, Brio de Cantenac Brown, Margaux, ages in French oak barrels.

• Château Brown-Lamartine, Bordeaux Supérieur, vineyard of 8 acres (3.2 ha) composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot.

• AltO de Cantenac Brown, Bordeaux, a white wine made from a vineyard of 4.5 acres (1.8 ha), composed of 90% Sauvignon Blanc 10% Sémillon.

References

1. Karen MacNeil, The Wine Bible Workman Publishing 2001 pg. 885 ISBN 1-56305-434-5
2. Suckling, J. (31 March 2007). "50 Best Bordeaux under $50". Wine Spectator Magazine. p. 69.

External links

• Château website