Château du Tertre
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1855 Fifth Growth on Margaux's highest gravel hilltop; 80% biodynamic viticulture led by ex-Château Latour winemaker
Château du Tertre is a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) estate in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, situated in the commune of Arsac in the Margaux appellation. Its name, meaning 'hillock' in French, reflects its exceptional position on one of the Médoc's highest gravel hilltops at approximately 24 meters — rare terrain that provides natural drainage and protection from spring frosts. The estate traces its roots to the 12th-century Seigneurie d'Arsac, with the present château built in 1736. After a period of decline following World War II, Philippe Gasqueton revitalized the vineyards from 1961. Eric Albada Jelgersma (owner of neighboring Château Giscours) acquired the estate in 1997 and undertook a sweeping modernization. Since January 2021, the Helfrich family — owners of Grand Chais de France, France's largest private wine group — have continued this pursuit of excellence. Technical Director Frédéric Ardouin, who joined from First Growth Château Latour in 2008, oversees 54 hectares of AOC Margaux vines planted to 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, with an average vine age of 35 years. Today, 80% of the vineyard is farmed biodynamically, the estate holds HVE (High Environmental Value) and ISO 14001 certifications, and 3 km of hedgerows have been planted to restore biodiversity.
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Who Is This For?
Wine lovers who want authentic classified Bordeaux at fair value; biodynamic enthusiasts; those seeking an elegant, approachable Margaux style
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'du Tertre' mean and why is the location significant?
- 'Du Tertre' means 'of the hillock' in French. The estate sits on one of the highest gravelly hilltops in the Médoc at about 24 meters elevation — an exceptional terroir that ensures excellent drainage, cooler temperatures during summer heat, and natural protection from spring frosts. This elevation is part of what gives the wine its distinctive elegance.
- Is Château du Tertre farmed organically or biodynamically?
- Yes. As of 2024, approximately 80% of Château du Tertre's 54-hectare vineyard is farmed biodynamically. Biodynamic practices were introduced in 2008 by Technical Director Frédéric Ardouin, who joined from Château Latour. The estate also holds HVE (High Environmental Value) certification and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Three kilometers of hedgerows have been planted to restore natural biodiversity.
- Who owns Château du Tertre now?
- Since January 2021, Château du Tertre is owned by the Helfrich family, who also run Grand Chais de France — France's largest private wine producer with approximately 3,000 hectares of vineyards. Previously, the estate was owned by Eric Albada Jelgersma (1997–2021), who also owned Château Giscours.
- What wines does Château du Tertre produce?
- The estate produces three wines: (1) Château du Tertre — the grand vin, a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Margaux AOC red; (2) Les Hauts du Tertre — the second wine, from younger vines, for earlier enjoyment; and (3) Tertre Blanc — a white Vin de France produced since 2014 from 6 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Gros Manseng (approximately 500 cases per vintage).
- How does Château du Tertre compare to other Fifth Growths in terms of quality?
- Château du Tertre has been widely regarded as a rising star among Fifth Growths. Under the stewardship of Frédéric Ardouin since 2008, the estate has markedly improved in quality, with recent vintages receiving favorable reviews from international critics. Its biodynamic approach and the Helfrich family's investment signal continued ambition.