Chateau Durfort-Vivens - Margaux | 2ème Grand Cru Classé

Château Durfort-Vivens is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. The wine produced here was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
While the 1855 classification is still legally in effect, more modern classifications have been performed to reconcile changes over time. In The Liv-ex Bordeaux Classification, in which quality of Bordeaux red wine is determined by demand in terms of price, Château Durfort-Vivens is listed as a Fifth Growth. In Alexis Lichine's classification of Bordeaux wine, which is based on subjective criteria, it is a Grand Cru (Great Growth), putting it in the third group on his list.
The 55 hectare Margaux vineyard of Durfort Vivens is planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. The terroir is gravel, clay and sandy soil. The vines are planted to a 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 and amphora. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine of Durfort Vivens is aged in a combination of about 40% new French oak barrels and clay amphora for an average of 18 months, depending on the quality and character of vintage.
There is a second wine which is sold under two names, Vivens and Le Relais de Durfort Vivens. The estate also produces a unique label that is specific for the Chinese market for their second wine which is called Jardin de Durfort. In addition, the family also produces Chateau Domeyne from vines they own in the St. Estephe appellation.