du Tertre

Château du Tertre

Classification: Fifth Growth (5ème Cru)
Château du Tertre dates back to as early as 1143 to the Seigneurie d'Arsac - one of the oldest of the Médoc's noble families who were allied to the English during the Hundred Years War. The Château takes its name from the French word “tertre” meaning hillock or high ground. Château du Tertre borders onto Châteaux Cantenac Brown and Brane Cantenac to the north and Giscours to the east. The hill it sits on is one of the highest hills in Médoc.

In the mid 18th century the estate belonged to Mr. Mitchell, an Irishman, who was in fact the first bottle manufacturer in the Bordeaux area. In the city of Bordeaux there is square where he had his glass works which bears his name.

Today the Château has been owned by Eric Albada Jelgersma, a Dutch businessman, who also owns Château Giscours. Jelgersma purchased du Tertre in 1997 and has completely renovated the Regency style Château and its vineyards. Château du Tertre has been resurrected by Jelgersma, as before he purchased the Château it was one of the least known classified growths, having fallen into a decline. Since the year 2000 the Château has shown a stunning revival and the château's profile is rising amongst wine connoisseurs.

Château du Tertre's vineyards are unusual in that they are a single block adjacent to the Château of about 123 acres. The grapes planted are 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The soil is a sandy gravel and the vines benefit from the well drained earth and exposure to the sun on the hillock.

Wine Style
Château du Tertre's deep ruby wines are rich in style, creamy and well balanced. They are aromatic and the bouquet is of chocolate, cherries, blackberries, smoke and plums. The oak lends the flavour of vanilla to the wine and sometimes toffee. The wines will age easily for 15 years or more.

Owner: E A Jelgersma (also owns Château Giscours)
Château Website: www.chateaudutertre.fr
Oenologist: J Boissenot