Chateau Cantemerle, located in the Haut-Medoc region of Bordeaux, is renowned for its commitment to producing elegant, balanced wines that reflect the distinctive character of its terroir. Classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the estate has a long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship. While it was initially omitted from the classification, Madame Villeneuve-Durfort, the owner at the time, successfully fought for its inclusion, making it one of the few properties to see a significant change to the original list. This prestigious status remains a testament to the estate's enduring legacy in Bordeaux winemaking.
The vineyards of Chateau Cantemerle cover 108 hectares, with 92 hectares currently under vine. The estate's plantings are carefully balanced between 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 percent Merlot, 6 percent Cabernet Franc, and 4 percent Petit Verdot. Recent vineyard management has seen an increase in Cabernet Sauvignon, reducing the Merlot by 5 percent, to emphasize structure, depth, and aging potential in their wines. Historically, the estate had a much higher percentage of Cabernet Franc—24 percent until the 1980s—but this was reduced under the direction of the estate's former managing director, Philippe Dambrine, to better suit modern tastes and market demands.
The vineyards benefit from the region's gravelly soils, which are ideal for drainage and support the growth of Bordeaux's signature grape varieties. This terroir, combined with an average vine age of 30 years, allows for wines with excellent complexity, balance, and longevity. Some of the estate's oldest vines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon, are nearly 70 years old, adding a depth of flavor and concentration to their top cuvees. The estate's goal is to continue increasing the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyard over time, enhancing the structure and refinement of their wines.
Chateau Cantemerle follows a winemaking philosophy that balances tradition with modern innovation. The estate is dedicated to creating wines that express the true nature of its terroir while incorporating advanced techniques to improve quality. Their winemaking process includes careful selection during harvest and precision in vinification to capture the essence of each vintage. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the cellars, which will further enhance the winemaking capabilities and support the estate's forward-thinking approach.
Sustainability is central to Chateau Cantemerle's philosophy. The estate is committed to long-term vineyard improvements, ensuring that their practices are in harmony with the land. This includes thoughtful adjustments to vineyard composition and management, adapting to climate and market changes while preserving the integrity of their wines.
Chateau Cantemerle's wines are celebrated for their finesse, balance, and ability to age gracefully. They offer a harmonious blend of dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes, underpinned by fine tannins and a lingering finish. The estate's wines are known for their approachability in youth, but with the structure to evolve beautifully over time, making them a staple for Bordeaux enthusiasts and collectors alike. Through dedication to quality and respect for tradition, Chateau Cantemerle continues to uphold its status as one of Bordeaux's great Fifth Growth estates.
