Château Marrin

Identity

Château Marrin is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. It is run by Hugo Chêne, who also serves as its winemaker. The estate is owned by the Chêne family, representing the sixth generation at the helm of the property.

History and philosophy

The site of Château Marrin boasts an ancient history, with the first written record of the name “Le Marrin” dating back to 1647. Archaeological excavations have unveiled Gallo-Roman remains, including six villas and a thermal bath complex. A chapel was recorded as early as 1368 before being dismantled in 1780. The estate's modern history began with its acquisition by José Demur in 1937, with vines planted from 1945 onwards. The property was passed down to Françoise Chêne in 1985, and Hugo Chêne took the reins in 2018.

Over the decades, Château Marrin has earned multiple awards, notably silver medals in Antwerp in 1885 and 1887, and in Bordeaux in 1895. It was also awarded gold medals in Paris in 1889 and 1900, in Saint-Louis in 1904, and in Bordeaux in 1913, 1920, and 1923.

The estate is dedicated to sustainable viticulture (agriculture raisonnée), prioritising natural methods and products. Soil tillage is performed both manually and mechanically, without any chemical weedkillers. Château Marrin holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.

The appellations

Château Marrin produces wines under the Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations.

Practical information

Château Marrin is located at Le Marrin, 33330 Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The estate contact is Hugo Chêne.

Telephone: 06 73 77 65 89
Email: chateaumarrin@gmail.com

The tasting cellar is open Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Visits and tastings are available by appointment only. The estate offers a comprehensive guided tour led by the winemaker, encompassing the vineyards, the vat room, and the barrel cellar. Wine tastings are paired with cheeses and dried fruit, with non-alcoholic options available. An introduction to wine tasting is supported by an aroma collection. These complimentary tours, suited to novices and connoisseurs alike, are limited to a maximum of 10 people and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. The estate accepts credit/debit card and cash payments. Pets are welcome, and visitor parking is available on site. The estate is also accessible by bus.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Marrin vineyard covers an area of 16 hectares. The vines, with an average age of 60 years, are planted on soils composed of 80% clay and 20% a blend of clay, limestone, and sand. The vineyard is situated on the heights of Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The grape varieties are heavily dominated by Merlot (95%), complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

Flagship cuvées

The estate's primary wine is Château Marrin, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. The property also offers special partnership cuvées, including an exclusive bottling crafted in collaboration with CD Projekt (for The Witcher) and a commemorative cuvée sporting the colours of the French Army to celebrate the graduation of new officers.

Vinification and ageing

Harvesting is carried out mechanically and late in the season to ensure the grapes reach optimal ripeness. Vinification takes place in concrete vats, with maceration lasting up to 40 days. A compressed-air winemaking technique is also used. The wines undergo wood ageing for 12 months for a portion of the production (20% new oak barrels), while 80% is aged in vats. This initial phase is followed by an additional 12 months of maturation in concrete vats.