Château Kirwan

Kirwan is an infinitely charming estate. The late 18th century château was built by Mark Kirwan, a prosperous Irish businessman who combined two small adjoining vineyards in the village of Cantenac and gave his name to the new entity.

He did much to enhance the wine’s reputation, and the book “Thomas Jefferson on Wine” tells us that the third American president praised the wine greatly during a trip to Bordeaux in 1787, noting that “Château de Quirouen” was in the 2nd category, along with “Ségur”, “Lynch”, etc. 

Château Kirwan was listed as the first of the third growths in 1855, when a classification of Médoc wines was made for the universal exhibition during the reign of Napoleon III. The Godard family acquired Kirwan in the latter half of the 19th century. They expanded the vineyards and designed beautiful grounds and gardens with a fish pond and rose arbour. 

The Schÿler family purchased Kirwan in 1926. Originating from cities belonging to the Hanseatic League, the Schÿlers came to Bordeaux in 1739 to establish a wine business. They made major investments at Kirwan starting in the 1970s and are closely identified with this great wine. In 2007, Sophie, Nathalie and Yann Schÿler’s expertise was complemented by the appointment of a new managing director, the experienced oenologist Philippe Delfaut.

The Château in figures

Area under wine: 37 hectares

Production: 90,000 bottles

Soil: Pyrenean gravel on the Cantenac plateau and sand and gravel on the clay subsoil

Grape varieties: 45 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot, 15 % Cabernet franc, 10 % Petit Verdot

Barrel ageing: 18-22 months New barrels: 50%

Second wine: Charmes de Kirwan

Chateau Kirwan, Margaux 3eme Cru, 2010: https://www.pinewoodwine.com/collections/new-items/products/chateau-kirwan-margaux-3eme-cru-2010-750ml 

Reference: https://www.ugcb.net/en/chateau-kirwan