Château la Gurgue
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Château La Gurgue, owned by Claire Villars-Lurton in Margaux-Cantenac, is certified organic and biodynamic. Its 10-hectare vineyard on deep gravel soils produces a red Margaux wine from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, aged in oak barrels and egg-shaped vats.
Identity
Château La Gurgue is a winegrowing estate located in Margaux-Cantenac, in the Gironde department. It is owned by Claire Villars-Lurton, who succeeded her mother Bernadette. The estate benefits from the expertise of Charles de Ravinel as Technical Director and consultant oenologist Éric Boissenot. Alexandre Beaumont serves as Cellar Master and Biodynamic specialist.
History and Philosophy
In the 18th century, Château La Gurgue belonged to the priory of the parish of Margaux. Following its sale during the French Revolution, it was owned by prominent local figures including Monsieur Lavandier and Monsieur Lanoire, both former mayors. In 1978, Jacques Merlaut acquired Château La Gurgue and entrusted its management to his daughter Bernadette. She undertook a complete overhaul of the facilities and replanted the vineyard, driving the revival of the estate's wine. In 1988, Château La Gurgue was featured as one of the ten most characteristic Margaux wines in the publication “L'Essai sur le style de Margaux”. Since 1992, the winery of Château La Gurgue has been shared with Château Ferriere. The estate is firmly committed to environmentally friendly practices, achieving organic certification in 2016 and biodynamic certification in 2018.
The Appellations
Château La Gurgue produces wines under the Margaux appellation.
Flagship Wines
Château La Gurgue crafts a red wine distinguished by a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged in oak barrels and egg-shaped vats, this wine displays a structure and aromatic profile quintessential to its appellation.
Practical Information
Château La Gurgue is located at 33 Rue de la Tremoille, 33460 Margaux-Cantenac. You can contact the estate by phone on +33557887665 or by email at aurelie.bergez@gc-lurton.com. The tasting and sales cellar is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:30, as well as on Saturdays during the summer season. The estate offers cellar-door sales and mail orders. Visits are by appointment only.
Find Out More
Frequently asked questions
- What style of wine is produced at Château La Gurgue?
- Château La Gurgue specialises in the production of red wine under the Margaux Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée. It is crafted from a classic blend of red grape varieties.
- What is the size of the Château La Gurgue vineyard?
- The vineyard of Château La Gurgue covers an area of 10 hectares, with all parcels dedicated to growing red grape varieties.
- Which grape varieties are cultivated at Château La Gurgue?
- The Château La Gurgue vineyard is planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. 50%), Merlot (approx. 45%), and Petit Verdot (approx. 5%). The average age of the vines is around 40 years.
- Is Château La Gurgue committed to sustainable practices?
- Yes, Château La Gurgue has been certified organic since 2016 and biodynamic since 2018, reflecting its dedication to viticultural practices that respect the environment and the terroir.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The Château La Gurgue vineyard spans 10 hectares, planted entirely with red grape varieties. The average age of the vines is around 40 years. The soils consist of deep gravel over limestone marls. The grape varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Vinification and Ageing
Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with a maceration period of approximately 15 days. Ageing generally lasts 12 months in oak barrels (around 25% new oak), as well as in egg-shaped concrete vats or amphorae depending on the vintage and the batch.
- Appellation
- Margaux
- Commune
- Margaux-Cantenac
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Owner
- Claire Villars-Lurton (succède à sa mère Bernadette)
- Technical direction
- Alexandre Beaumont
- Surface area
- 10 ha
- Certifications
- Bio, Biodynamie
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 45%, Petit Verdot 5%
Estate news
01 July 2026
Denis Merlaut et famille Villars — Classement des Fortunes 2026
Denis Merlaut et la famille Villars, à la tête du GROUPE TAILLAN, sont classés 418e dans le classement des 500 fortunes en 2026, enregistrant une baisse de 8 places par rapport à 2025. Leur fortune est estimée à -10 M3%. Le groupe familial, avec un chiffre d'affaires de 210 millions d'euros, s'est développé sur une soixantaine d'années et comprend trois maisons de négoce ainsi qu'une vingtaine de domaines, dont plusieurs crus classés. Denis Merlaut, héritier du groupe de négoce Taillan, a vu son père Jacques Merlaut fonder le groupe Bernard Taillan en 1961 dans le Bordelais, après avoir débuté comme négociant en Côtes du Rhône. Dans les années 1970, Jacques Merlaut a acquis les Châteaux Chasse Spleen et La Gurgue, puis a repris le groupe Ginestet. Un rachat majeur fut celui de la prestigieuse maison Gruaud-Larose en 1997. Le patrimoine viticole de la famille s'est enrichi au fil des ans, incluant une dizaine de propriétés dans le Bordelais, parmi lesquelles des grands crus classés comme Château Citran et Château Broustet, en plus de Gruaud-Larose, Château Chasse Spleen et La Gurgue. Le groupe détient également La Compagnie Rhodanienne, un négociant gardois distribuant environ 18 millions de bouteilles par an, les vins canadiens Osoyoos Larose et la chaîne de cavistes Cash Vin. Depuis le début des années 2000, le groupe Bernard Taillan a renforcé sa présence à l'international, avec des bureaux en Asie et aux États-Unis.
Read the source — challenges.frPractical information
- Address
- 33 bis, rue de la Trémoille, 33460 MARGAUX
- Phone
- +33557887665
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- Du lundi au vendredi de 10h à 17h 30. Le samedi en période estivale.
- Visits
- Oui sur rendez-vous