Château Giscours 2020

A generous and delicious Cru Classé from Margaux

The estate

Located on the left bank of Bordeaux, Château Giscours is a historic property of the Margaux appellation with vines planted for the first time in the 16th century. This superb 3rd Classified Growth of Margaux is a true standard of the Bordeaux region, with its distinctive architecture resembling a neoclassical palace, its unique park and its buildings, including the beautiful "Ferme Suzanne". In 1995, Château Giscours entered a new era of its history following its acquisition by the Albada Jelgersma family.

The vineyard

The Château Giscours vineyard covers 95 hectares of vines in production on 300 hectares in total. A real gem, the Château Giscours terroir stands out for its 3 outcroppings of deep Garonnaise gravel, which play a decisive role in the ripening cycle of the grapes.

The vintage

Winter, which combined sunshine with uneven but abundant rainfall, encouraged bud break to be early by 15 days. Mild and punctuated by rainy episodes, spring was marked by a flowering which began a dozen days early. Summer was particularly hot. The discipline of the team at the château, as well as the preserved water reserves, allowed the vines to develop in the best conditions in spite of significant temperature differences. The alternation of hot days and cool nights in September was ideal for preserving aromatic richness, the concentration of the grapes as well as the vibrant energy of the fruit. Carried out on a plot-by-plot basis, depending on the age of the plots, the harvest allowed for the fruit to be picked at full ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

Manual and optical sorting. Vinification in concrete and stainless steel vats at low temperatures to preserve the aromatic potential and wholeness of the fruits. Maceration for 35 days at 28°C. Ageing lasts for 17 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new wood.

Blend

The 2020 Château Giscours is made of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) and Merlot (44%).

Tasting

Aromatic brilliance and tannin fineness are two key concepts in the development of the vintage, something which the 2020 Château Giscours authentically expresses. Voluptuous and tasty, this vintage seduces with its power, its generous palate and its silky texture, a reflection of the thorough vinification carried out by the team at the château.