The rich heritage of Château Durfort-Vivens traces back to the 14th century, when the noble Durfort de Duras family established their presence in Margaux (Bordeaux). Initially serving as a hunting lodge, the estate gradually evolved into a renowned vineyard. A significant turning point came when Robert-Adrien Labat de Vivens acquired the property and became its sole proprietor in 1824, leading to the château’s current name, Château Durfort-Vivens. The estate’s legacy continued when the Lurton family purchased it from the Giselet family in 1937, marking the beginning of a new era.
For a considerable period, this 2nd Cru Classé Margaux property struggled to reach its full potential, often being viewed as underperforming. However, a remarkable transformation began when Lucien’s son Gonzague assumed leadership. Driven by a passionate pursuit of pure fruit expression, Gonzague made the innovative decision to incorporate amphorae into the wine aging process at Château Durfort-Vivens. This pioneering initiative has expanded significantly over the years, culminating in the estate now boasting the world’s largest amphora cellar by volume, a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation!
The estate encompasses 55 hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards, featuring a carefully balanced blend of grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (15%). These vines thrive in exceptional terroir, characterized by gravelly soils interspersed with limestone deposits. The vinification process combines traditional and innovative techniques, including amphora aging and approximately 18 months of wood aging, with 30 to 50% new French oak barrels. The final blend’s high Cabernet Sauvignon content (approximately 80%) – the highest proportion in the southern Médoc – imparts distinctive blackcurrant and cassis notes, alongside robust tannins and impressive structure. While these wines become approachable after 5 years of bottle aging, they continue to develop and improve for up to a decade.
The estate’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its comprehensive approach to sustainable farming. The journey began in 2013 with the transition to organic farming, culminating in DEMETER biodynamic certification in 2016. Further reinforcing their environmental dedication, the property achieved both HEV (High Environmental Value) and EMS (Environmental Management System) certifications in 2019. Since 2014, all Durfort-Vivens wines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure “zero residue,” demonstrating their unwavering commitment to producing pure, environmentally conscious wines that reflect their exceptional terroir.
