History, terroir and character from Margaux
Château Rauzan-Gassies is one of the most traditional wineries in the Margaux appellation of the Médoc and has held the rank of Deuxième Grand Cru Classé since the legendary Bordeaux classification of 1855. With a history dating back to the 17th century, Rauzan-Gassies represents classic Bordeaux craftsmanship, authentic provenance, and remarkable continuity across generations.
Origin and history
The winery's roots stretch back to the 1630s, when the then-owner, Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan , a prominent wine merchant and manager of the famous Château Margaux, founded the estate. His name remains synonymous with some of the most important crus in the Médoc, as several large estates later emerged from the original holding – including Château Rauzan-Ségla , Château Desmirail , Château Marquis de Terme , and Château Rauzan-Gassies .
In 1792, the original estate was divided, thus establishing Rauzan-Gassies as an independent line. Since 1946, the Château has been owned by the Quié family , who have managed it with great dedication for three generations. Under their leadership, the estate has been modernized without losing its classic character. Today, it is managed by Anne-Françoise and Jean-Michel Quié , who continue the family legacy with a contemporary winemaking philosophy.
Terroir and vineyards
The vineyards of Château Rauzan-Gassies cover approximately 28 hectares in the Margaux appellation. The terroir is typical of the region: deep, gravelly soils over clay and sand, providing excellent drainage and optimal ripening conditions for the vines. This geological structure imparts elegance, depth, and a fine structure to the wines – characteristics that have made Margaux wines world-renowned.
The grape variety distribution reflects the classic composition of a Médoc wine: approximately 55% Cabernet Sauvignon , 43% Merlot , and a small proportion of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot . This diversity allows for a well-balanced combination of structure, fruit, and finesse.
Winemaking and style
Château Rauzan-Gassies combines traditional craftsmanship with modern cellar technology. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand, and each parcel is vinified separately to best express the diversity of the terroir. Aging takes place in French oak barrels , of which approximately 30 to 40% are renewed annually.
The winery's style is characterized by classic Margaux elegance – wines with a fine structure, aromatic depth, and remarkable aging potential. Over the past few decades, the Rauzan-Gassies style has evolved: today, the wines are more precise, harmonious, and consistent than ever before, impressively demonstrating the Quié family's continuous commitment to quality.
Meaning and present
Château Rauzan-Gassies is today a well-established name in the Médoc. The estate maintains its historical identity while simultaneously meeting the demands of modern wine lovers. The combination of tradition, terroir, and craftsmanship makes each vintage an authentic expression of the Margaux appellation.
With a long history, a clear quality philosophy and the charm of a genuine family business, Château Rauzan-Gassies is a winery that embodies the timeless elegance of Bordeaux – classic, reliable and of lasting value.
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