Description

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. 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 and the vineyards are in conversion to Biodynamic since 2009.