Château Marsau

The heavenly Château Marsau is owned and run by winemaker Anne-Laurence Chadronnier and her husband Mathieu, who runs a respected Bordeaux négociant and whose family had initially purchased it in 1994 (the couple own it today). It is located in the Côtes des Francs, one of Bordeaux’s most dynamic appellations, some 15km north-east of Saint-Emilion. 

The contiguous, five-hectare vineyard is planted exclusively to Merlot, and lies on a plateau of blue clay resembling that of Pomerol.  Organically certified since 2020, they began the conversion process some years before, once their children were old enough to walk in the fields. Indeed, with chickens roaming amongst the vines, regenerative viticulture practices like no-till are obvious, all in the name of the next generation. Trees surround the vineyard, including an orchard. It does not come as a surprise that the Chadronniers cite the likes of Domaine Tempier as inspiration for their own objectives of becoming the standard-bearer for the sub-region and celebrating the benefits that come from staying family-owned and family-run.  

Anne-Laurence’s approach in the cellar is as sensitive and meticulous as it is in the vineyard. Inspired by her encounters with top Italian winemakers, she ages Marsau in a combination of foudres and cement. A new cellar was completed in time for the 2024 harvest. 

Enjoying this affable Bordeaux – and so ensuring it’s available at elegant restaurant establishments in the UK – is particularly close to their hearts, hence their decision to hold back a proportion of each vintage at the château for five years, to be released directly to restaurants when it is ready to drink.  

Marsau is a wine of thrilling precision and depth, with a resounding saline character, that punches way above the weight of virtually any other “petit château” and more than holds its own alongside all but the grandest Cru Classé Bordeaux.