The mystery of the delicate and perfumed wines of Margaux lies in the soil – a thin stony top soil over coarse gravel of lime and sand that is supported by clayey calcerous soil.
The quality of the wine is also attributable to passionate professionals. Unlike many wineries, Margaux has its own cooperage (barrel-making facilities), along with gardeners, masons, painters and mechanics. In fact, 75 hectares of the 250-hectare estate is planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
During the Middle Ages, Margaux was a small dry ridge located between the forest and river. New owners acquired and exchanged plots to form the complete vineyard we know today. In the 17th Century, the D’Aulede family took over the vineyard, and later took a half-share in Haut-Brion. Due to his ownership of Margaux, one of the successors later became known as the other powerful Marquis land owner, the first being the Marquis de Segur, who at that time owned Lafite, Mouton and Latour.
Margaux later saw the Compte d’Agricourt as its eminent patron, then passed through the hands of two bankers before the Ginestets took its reins in 1935 and restored it. Finally, Andre Mentzelopoulos inaugurated Margaux’s era of renaissance with remedial work in the vineyards and modernization of the cellar. However, he did not live to see the fruit of his labor, as he passed away in 1980. Andre’s daughter, Corinne, has been at the helm since then. Connoisseurs often debate whether Margaux 1982 or 1983 is the Margaux wine of the century. 
