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Origin and history

The Château d'Issan, located in Cantenac en Gironde, is a wine estate whose origins date back to the 13th century. His history is marked by a legend combining his wine with the marriage of Alienor d'Aquitaine with Henri Plantagenet in 1152, although this anecdote is more of oral tradition. The modern castle, of classic style, was built in the 17th century by the family of Essenault, a rich Bordeaux parliamentary line, on the foundations of an ancient medieval fortified castle completely razed. The moat surrounding the building and some towers date from this period of reconstruction.

In the 19th century, the estate grew significantly under the impetus of the Blanchy family, then the Roys, who modernized the facilities with cellars and a cuvier. These improvements allowed the Château d'Issan to be ranked third great vintage in the official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855. His famous wine was even served at the court of Emperor Francis Joseph in Vienna, inspiring the motto of the estate: "Regium mensis aris que deorum" ("For the table of the Kings and the altar of the Gods").

In 1945, the Cruse family, who already owned several Bordeaux estates such as Pontet-Canet, acquired the castle and managed it for several decades. Emmanuel Cruse I, then his son Lionel and his grandson Emmanuel Cruse II, succeeded him until 2013, when the millionaire Jacky Lorenzetti became co-owner. The castle, partially classified as a historical monument since 1970 for its Renaissance facades, roofs and fireplaces, remains a symbol of the wine and architectural heritage of the region.

The estate extends over 120 hectares of vines, producing 180,000 bottles of its great wine annually, mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon (65 %) and Merlot (35 %). Besides its flagship wine, the Château d'Issan produces a second wine, Blason d'Issan, as well as wines from nearby properties such as the Château de Candale and the Moulin d'Issan. Its severe soil and encépagement reflect the typical features of the Margaux appellation.

The architecture of the castle, quadrangular and surrounded by moat, preserves medieval defensive elements such as an entrance chestnut flanked by round towers and a 15th century stone bridge. Inside, the Renaissance fireplaces, including those in the Justice and dining rooms, bear witness to the splendour of past times. These elements, inscribed in the historical monuments, underline the duality of the place, both transformed fortress and prestigious wine residence.

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