Château Durfort-Vivens

History

Durfort-Vivens Castle has a long history behind it, as wonderful as it is. As early as the 14th century, the first traces of it can be found with the mention of a powerful family in the area. This family, very respected in the Agenais (former district of the historical province of Gascony), decided to settle in Margaux to found its castle, this is the arrival of the Durfort de Duras. During the following centuries, it will reign in master on this domain and will establish its reputation which still sticks to it today: a domain of excellence.

In the 18th century, a significant event occurred with the arrival of the Count of Montalembert. The latter inherited the property and then passed it on to his nephew who was none other than Robert Adrien Labat de Vivens. In 1824, this last one will affix his name beside the Durfort de Duras family. The property was henceforth called Durfort-Vivens and became a little more like the one we know today.

In 1844, the proof of its success lies in a price superior to all other Margaux (except for the eponymous Château). Eleven years later, the property was listed in the 1855 classification as a Second Growth, which confirmed the image of nobility that the estate had... And this image has a price, which the Lurton family paid in 1937, with the Château Margaux of which they are shareholders.

Since 1992, it is Gonzague Lurton who manages the property...

And what about biodynamics?

A management that extends over 55 hectares of vineyards, planted with 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. As you will have understood, the specialty of the estate lies in the Cabernet Sauvignon, which has seen its area increased in recent years. The average age of the vines is 50 years, the right age to give in each bunch an optimal concentration.

But one of the key points of Chateau Durfort-Vivens is its ideology : dynamic viticulture. Indeed, it was a daring gamble that Gonzague Lurton succeeded brilliantly, setting himself apart from other Bordeaux properties. For him, the importance is to return to the roots and magnify his terroir, composed of sand and clay. Note that the estate has become the first classified growth in the Medoc to be certified by Demeter (2016), the biodynamic label.

In order to produce vintages that are always of the highest quality, the property has technical means worthy of its reputation. Wooden, stainless steel and cement vats that will have a different impact on the wines' musts, but also oak barrels renewed every year (about 40% of them) and amphorae. Of course, Château Durfort-Vivens appreciates each vintage and adapts all the oenological operations as well as the maturation. Its goal ? To leave you speechless...