History
Château Cos d'Estournel was founded in 1811 by Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, who inherited some vineyards near the village of Cos and began vinifying them separately. The wine quickly gained recognition for its quality and was exported widely, including to India, where it was enjoyed by Maharajahs and Nabobs. In 1852, Louis Gaspard d'Estournel sold the estate to a London banker, Martyns, who allowed him to stay on the land until his death in 1853. The estate changed hands several times, being sold to the Errazu family in 1869 and then to the Hostein brothers in 1889.
In 1917, Fernand Ginestet purchased the estate, and his grandsons, Jean-Marie, Yves, and Bruno Prats, managed it until 2000. The estate was briefly owned by the Merlaut family and a South American investor before being bought by Michel Reybier in 2000. Under Reybier's ownership, significant changes were made, including the installation of a 100% gravity winemaking cellar, which is a unique innovation in the region. Today, Cos d'Estournel is known for its high-quality red and white wines, with a vineyard covering 91 hectares and a terroir that includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.
Terroir
Cos d'Estournel is situated in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Médoc region, France. The vineyard occupies a unique terroir characterized by a plateau of deep gravel and clay-limestone soils. This core is divided into two slopes with contrasting exposures: the eastern slope benefits from clay-limestone soils, while the south-southwestern slope is gravelly. A clay vein runs diagonally through the vineyard, further diversifying the soil composition. The terroir is also influenced by the Atlantic climate, which moderates temperatures and enhances grape ripening with gentle exposure to sunlight and cooling winds.
The varied soil types, including gravel, clay, and limestone, contribute to the complexity of the wines. The vineyard is managed as a mosaic of 19 different soil types, each vinified separately to maximize the unique characteristics of each plot. This diversity in soils and exposures allows for efficient drainage and a rich array of flavors in the grapes. The terroir's unique signature is reflected in the wines, which are known for their high acidity and complex flavors.
