Château Mauvesin Barton

The history of Chateau Mauvesin dates back to the 15th century. It was in 1457 that Jean de Foix Grailly became proprietor of the first Chateau de Mauvesin in the district of Moulis en Médoc. At this time, it was a true fortified castle with towers and battlements. 50 years later, it was acquired by the La Rivière family through the marriage in 1582 of Marguerite de La Rivière with Jacques Le Blanc, who became lord of Mauvesin. Soon after the Revolution in 1792, the old chateau was seized by the state and put up for sale in Lesparre, where it was attributed to “citizen” Clarcke acting for the account of Pauline Le Blanc. The old chateau remained the property of the family but due to its state of ruin, it was demolished in 1852.
The construction of the present chateau in 1853 on the site of the original chateau is thanks to Marquis Lodoïs Le Blanc de Mauvesin and his wife. On the advice of architect Perrier and inspired by the style of Louis XIII, the chateau consists of “two pavilions and two turrets, combining elegance and solidity. The façade is upon a magnificent garden with a pond and a beautiful collection of conifers.” After 2 years labor, the chateau remains as it was when constructed in 1853 and the trees planted at the creation of the park constitute this timeless home.
Having built the chateau in 1853, the Marquis Lodoïs Le Blanc de Mauvesin died in 1884 leaving no direct heirs. He decided to leave his patrimony to his first cousin, Hyppolite de Baritault du Carpia, his closest relative. The Baritaults, an eminent family originally from the Vendée area, kept Chateau Mauvesin for 4 generations up to its sale in 2011.
The Viscount and Viscountess Alain de Baritault du Carpia, heirs of the family Le Blanc de Mauvesin, sold the property on the 4th August 2011 to Lilian and Michel Barton Sartorius. The Barton family has for eight generations been owners of the Crus Classés Langoa and Leoville Barton, situated in the Saint Julien appellation.

Overview: In August 2011, The Barton Sartorius family acquired this historical wine producing estate and its Château that was re-baptized Château Mauvesin Barton. With the Barton family’s centuries of experience and unique expertise behind them, each of the four family members plays a specific role, perpetuating tradition and sharing their passion : Lilian Barton Sartorius takes on the management of the Château, Michel Sartorius takes care of the wine distribution, Mélanie Barton Sartorius becomes technical manager and Damien Barton Sartorius brings his expertise to the commercialisation of the wine.

Terroir: The vineyard is situated in the “Moulis-en-Médoc” appellation, to the north of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Part of the soil is clay-gravel, perfectly adapted for the development of Cabernet-Franc and Merlot. Another part is made up of fine gravel and gritty sand, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full ripeness. As for all the Barton family activities, great importance is attached to environmental protection and the quality of the wines produced. The 55 hectares of vines comprise 54% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc.

Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Vinification: The younger vines are picked by hand. After careful selection, the grapes are placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for the fermentation and maceration phase. The ageing process lasts 12 to 15 months, in French oak barrels of which one third are new. The casks rest on a gravel bed to regulate humidity.

Aging: 1/3 new wood barrels

Tasting Notes: Ruby color, nose of toasted hazelnut and red fruits (cherry, blueberry). Delicate tannins. Wine with balance and finesse. Fresh, almost minty finish. Nice length and drinkability.

Overview: L’Impression de Mauvesin Barton is the second wine of Château Mauvesin Barton. The second wine is the result of the selection of the Grand Vin.

Owner: Barton-Sartorius family

Vineyard Manager: Laurent Crouzet

Cellar Master: Bruno Petit

Production Area: 42 hectares

Location: Located in Moulis-en-Médoc, Castelnau and Avensan towns, 30 km North of Bordeaux

Soil: Calcareous clay conducive to the development of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with some gravel and sand to achieve an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon

Average Age of the Vines: 35 years old

Pruning: Double cane pruning, weed on the rows, reasoned additives

Grape Varieties: Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Cabernet Franc 15%

Harvest: Optical sorting at the reception of the harvest, vibrating dump

Vinification: Plot by plot vinification, thermo-regulated, stainless-steel vats of small volume, maceration and fermentation in tank

Aging: In barrels

Average Yield: 45 hl/ha

Alcohol: 13%

Production: Approx. 75,000 bottles

Tasting Notes: Ruby color with toasted notes and a ripe nose. On the palate, silky tannins and a good aromatic persistence.