One of the most famous, and one of the vineyards closest to Bordeaux is the Chateau Margaux. It is the property of the Count Pillet-Will, and belongs to the first-classed growth. The beginning of this famous chateau wine is noted in the 15th century, at which time at the point where the chateau now stands there was a vineyard of about 80 hectares, composed of the finest strains of grapes. The situation of the vineyard is exceptionally favorable to the growth of grapes, and the care with which it is treated is one of the reasons why it has assumed such a commanding position in the first rank of the classed growths. It produces a wine uniting the highest qualities and marked especially by its bouquet, perfume, and fineness. This wine is appreciated throughout the entire world, and has always obtained the highest rewards at national and international expositions. The vineyard of the Chateau Margaux at the present time produces about 225 tuns1 of first-class wine, and 40 tuns of a lower grade of wine which does not bear the name of the chateau. The building of the chateau is almost colonial in its simplicity and presents a piece of architecture simple in its beauty.

Fig. 21. Map of the areas producing different kinds of wine.

Fig. 22. A Vine-plant in the Sauternes District. (Courtesy of Barton and Guestier.)