Château Cantemerle
シャトー・カントメルル
The Fifth Growth that nearly wasn't — exceptional value from 1354
Château Cantemerle is a historic Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation, located in the commune of Macau at the southern tip of the Médoc peninsula. With viticultural roots dating to 1354, it holds the rare distinction of being one of only two châteaux in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification to be added by amendment — originally omitted from the list, the estate was reinstated after the owner demonstrated its wines commanded prices equal to other Fifth Growths. Acquired in 1981 by French insurance group SMABTP, who invested heavily in replanting and modernisation, Cantemerle now farms 90 hectares of deep siliceous gravel soils surrounding the château, planting Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), Merlot (18%), Petit Verdot (7%), and Cabernet Franc (4%), with an average vine age of 40 years. Winemaking follows a gentle 'soft infusion' philosophy under Technical Director Pascal Berteau — full destemming, moderate-temperature fermentation (26–28°C), four-week maceration, and 12–16 months in 40–50% new French oak. Since 2025, a state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery with 114 individual stainless-steel vats enables precise parcel-by-parcel vinification. The estate holds HVE certification and the CIVB 'Cultivons Demain' CSR label. Grand vin production averages 25,000 cases annually; the second wine, Les Allées de Cantemerle, adds 12,500 cases.
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Who Is This For?
For Bordeaux lovers who want the prestige of a 1855 Classified Growth without the premium price of Pauillac or Margaux. Cantemerle's soft, Merlot-influenced tannins and expressive dark fruit make it the ideal gateway to serious Haut-Médoc for those new to left-bank Bordeaux, as well as the choice of savvy collectors who know that its quality-to-price ratio is among the best in the classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the story behind Château Cantemerle's 1855 classification?
- Cantemerle was accidentally omitted from the original 1855 Bordeaux Classification at the Paris Exposition. The owner, Madame Villeneuve-Durfort, demanded reinstatement and produced 40 years of sales records proving the wine sold for prices equal to the other Fifth Growths. Her argument prevailed, making Cantemerle one of only two amendments ever made to the 1855 Classification.
- What grape varieties are grown at Château Cantemerle?
- The 90-hectare vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), Merlot (18%), Petit Verdot (7%), and Cabernet Franc (4%), on deep siliceous gravel soils in the communes of Macau and Ludon-Médoc. Average vine age is 40 years.
- How does Château Cantemerle's wine style compare to other Médoc classified growths?
- Cantemerle is notably softer and more approachable than typical Pauillac or Saint-Estèphe. Often compared to Margaux in style, it delivers expressive perfume, supple tannins, and dark fruit character (blackcurrant, plum, blackberry) backed by cedar, tobacco, and spice. It's classified as Haut-Médoc rather than a village appellation, which is why it remains undervalued despite consistently strong critic scores.
- When should I drink Château Cantemerle, and how long does it age?
- Good vintages are approachable after 5–8 years but reward patience. Top years (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022) can age for 20+ years. The wine evolves from youthful dark fruit and cedar into complex leather, truffle, tobacco, and graphite notes. Decant for 1–2 hours before serving younger vintages.
- What is Les Allées de Cantemerle?
- Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, made primarily from younger vines. It is vinified with a focus on fresh fruit and drinkability, aged mainly in French oak vats, and designed for earlier consumption — typically enjoyable within 3–7 years of the vintage.