`Vivens` Margaux, Château Durfort-Vivens, Bordeaux, France, 2016

Château Durfort-Vivens owes its name to the Durfort de Duras, a powerful family in the South West of France that came to Margaux in the 14th century. In 1824, the Viscount of Vivens' name was added to that of Durfort. The 1855 classification ranked Durfort-Vivens as a Second Cru Classé. Vivens, the second wine, was first produced in 2004 predominantly coming from younger vines and selected parcels. Each plot is vinified separately and fermented in a mix of stainless-steel and concrete vats at controlled temperatures. Maceration lasts for 18 days with regular pump overs. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which is new oak. Located in the communes of Margaux, Cantenac and Soussans, the Durfort-Vivens vines are planted on hilltops made up of deep, poor gravel. The gravel was deposited by successive riverbeds of the Garonne in the Quaternary period. This magnificent terroir enables an early optimal ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, allowing a full expression of the finesse and silkiness of the tannins, resulting in the freshness and elegance characteristic of a great Margaux. All vineyard work is done by hand at the beginning of the vegetative cycle. Pruning is adapted to the vigour of the vine, with the removal of excess buds, shoots and leaves. This brings richness, concentration and complexity to the grapes. Gonzague Lurton, head of the estate, introduced organic farming in the vineyards and a conversion to biodynamic since 2009.

Food pairing ideas: one of the most natural wine and food combinations is Margaux with lamb. Of course Margaux pairs equally well with almost any grilled, braised or roasted meat ranging from beef, veal, pork, duck, pigeon, squab and game. Margaux wines are perfect with roasted chicken, mushrooms, truffles or other earthy dishes.

85% Cabernet Sauvignon , 15% Merlot .

This wine has a beautiful bright garnet colour with purple tints. The nose is very expressive, with intense aromas of red fruits, strawberries and cherries, with notes of white flowers and black pepper. Ample and round, the body is well structured with polished tannins and delicate layers of oak. Smoke, floral aromas and slight spicy notes rise after further airing of the wine.

Feature(s): Practising Biodynamic
Winemaker: Gonzague Lurton, Jérôme Héranval
Alcohol (ABV): 12.5 %
Acidity: 5.14 g/l
Residual sugar: 1.4 g/l
pH: 3.72