Chateau Dufort Vivens 2013, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Chateau Durfort Vivens, like many Bordeaux wine producers is named after a previous owner. In this case, it was the Durfort de Duras, a well-connected family from South West France. Several hundred years later, in 1824, Chateau Durfort took the second part of their name from the owner at the time, the Viscount of Vivens and became Chateau Durfort Vivens. Today the property is owned and managed by the Lurton family who purchased Durfort Vivens in 1961. The 55 hectare Margaux vineyard of Durfort Vivens in Margaux has a terroir of gravel, clay and sand soil. The vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc with a vine density that varies from 6,600 to 7,700 vines per hectare. The higher levels of vine density are for the newer plantings. To produce the wine of Chateau Durfort Vivens, the wine is vinified in a combination of wood and concrete, temperature controlled vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine of Durfort Vivens is aged in about 40% new French oak barrels for an average of 18 months, depending on the quality and character of vintage. Elegant in style with medium body, cherries and earth in the profile, this is a lighter, classic style of wine.