Château Duhart-Milon-Rothschild

ChâteauDuhart-Milon, located near Paulliac on the Médoc, began as a second wine of Château Lafite in the early 18th century. 

Château Duhart-Milon - Winery of the Pirate

The history of wine in France is often an interweaving of various names and estates found today. Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur, also called the "Prince of Wine" by Louis XV, started widespread viticulture in the commune to increase his fortune.

The estate passed through the hands of various families after the Revolution, including the Duharts. The mansion of Mr. Duhart, a privateer under Louis XV, still adorns the label. The name Milon comes from the hills surrounding the estate. In 1855, Château Duhart-Milon was finally awarded Quatrièmes Grand Cru Classé.

Decline and new beginnings at Château Duhart-Milon

In the 20th century, the estate passed through various families over a 25-year period and was split up several times, so the quality suffered greatly. This decline was only stopped when the Rothschild family bought the estate in 1962. The area of Château Duhart-Milon, of which just 17 hectares of vines remained, was replanted, land was purchased and new buildings were constructed. After 40 years of work, Château Duhart-Milon sees itself back at its old height since the beginning of the millennium.

The duality of two châteaux

Located adjacent to Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Duhart-Milon 's vineyard is a single block of 76 hectares. Limestone and sandy soils with gravel overlay dominate the terroir. The grape varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the vines are tended by the Château Lafite-Rothschild team. 

In the cellar, oak barrels are used, which are made in the in-house cooperage. Between 10 and 18 months the wines of Château Duhart-Milon mature, the wine is regularly pumped over and clarified with albumin at the end. 30000 cases are produced annually, divided between the first wine and the second wine Moulin de Duhart.

The grape varieties

Classically, the following grape varieties are used for the grandiose red wine of Château Duhart-Milon: 

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot