Château d’Issan

**A third Grand Cru Classé of Margaux “For the table of kings and the altar of the Gods“**

Château d’Issan is one of the oldest wine-producing Médoc’ properties. It has been producing wine since the 12^th century. Following the 100 years war and the havoc it caused in the region the property was abandoned.

It was not until the 17th century and the arrival of Knight Essenault that the property came back to life . The castel was destroyed what remained of the castle was rebuilt as the castle as we know it today.

In 1855, under the direction of the Roy family Château d’Issan was ranked in the famous 1855 classification as the third Grand Cru Classé of Margaux. The early 20th century was marked by a downfall towards a lower quality and a lower famous/glory. This period ended in 1945 with the acquisition of the property by the Cruse family.

After its acquisition and following the destruction and abandonment related to the second World War the Cruse invested heavily to restore the property by replanting the vineyard, for the restoration of buildings and acquiring new production tools. That allowed the Château d’Issan to embark on regaining its former glory. A bet that in view of recent vintages seems successful.

Recently the Cruse family, specifically Emmanuel Cruse has sold half of the Château d’Issan’ shares to Jacky Lorenzetti (Château Pédesclaux and Château Lilian Ladouys). Emmanuel Cruse, however, remains owner , representative of the castle as well as the ultimate decision maker in the blending of house wine .

From a personal point of view I recommend, if you’re in the Médoc area, to go to the property if only to stroll in the gardens of Issan, admire the moat , small flowery bridge and castle sitting majestically on the small island ( it is surrounded by water!) . A romantic and relaxing landscape that will not leave you bored.

Where does the name of Château d’Issan come from?

The name Issan comes from the contraction of the name of The Knight Essenault who acquired the property in the seventeenth century, razed the old castle and built the current property.

What is sought each year when creating the wines of Château d’Issan ?

“We like to keep a strong personality in our wines. Firstly it is that expresses the terroir . A complex nose with wide aromatic palette. Wines that are suitable for aging and marked by the characteristics of Margaux . But also wines that are thin, delicate, soft , not too ‘ muscular ‘ and with good length. ” (Marie Helene Dussech – Sales Manager)

Side story : From time immemorial the wines of Château d’Issan were prized by kings and queens of Europe. Indeed in 1152 the wines of the property were chosen to be served at the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine ( Aquitaine Duchess ) and Henry Plantagenet ( heir to the throne of England). In 1723 they were chosen by the Prince of Wales to enter the royal cellar and in the nineteenth century Château d’Issan is the favorite wine of the Emperor Francis Joseph (emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary from the house Habsburg -Lorraine ) . All this gave rise to the motto of Château d’Issan ” Regum mensis aris as Deorum ” is to mean “For the Table of Kings and the altar of the gods .” This motto is also inscribed in stone on the front of the chateau.