Life on the estate 3 question to Emmanuel Cruse, general manager

1. In your view, what defines the singular identity of Château d’Issan among the Grands Crus of Margaux?

“The identity of Issan is deeply rooted in its history, which stretches far beyond the 1855 Classification. Historical records already refer to La Mothe-Cantenac, the former name of Issan, whose wine is said to have been served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, King of England, in 1152. Very few estates can claim such historical continuity.

Issan also played a strategic role during the Hundred Years’ War, from which its moats still remain today—an architectural feature that is rare in the Médoc and found only at a handful of properties such as Château de Lamarque or La Tour Carnet. The château itself ranks among the oldest buildings within the 1855 Classification.

To this rich heritage is added another defining feature: Issan is one of the very few Grands Crus Classés whose vineyard is entirely enclosed by stone walls. This is a powerful marker of identity, contributing to both the coherence and the singular expression of our wines.

Finally, despite the weight of history, we have always been committed to looking ahead. This duality lies at the very heart of Issan’s DNA: preserving a centuries-old heritage while embracing innovation—most notably through the creation of our white wine, made from non-Bordeaux grape varieties. A deliberately atypical approach, outside regional norms, illustrating our ability to unite tradition with a contemporary vision.”

2. Why is 2026 a particularly significant year for Château d’Issan?

“The year 2026 marks a key milestone in the estate’s history. According to archival records, the reconstruction of the château as we know it today was completed in 1626. We are therefore celebrating the 400th anniversary of the completion of Château d’Issan.

This anniversary carries profound meaning, reminding us of the estate’s longevity and its ability to endure through centuries, crises, and the many evolutions of the wine world. It is an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who, generation after generation, have helped shape Issan and preserve its identity.”

3. How do you envision the future of Château d’Issan?

“The future of Issan is, above all, rooted in a long-term commitment to excellence. In the short term, we are fortunate to have an outstanding 2025 vintage—limited in volume, yet remarkable in quality. This vintage also holds strong symbolic value, as it represents the 80th vintage produced by the Cruse family at Château d’Issan, an important landmark in our family and winemaking history.

Although the final blends have not yet been fully completed, we already know that we will be able to present, during the 2025 en primeur campaign, a wine that is true to the Issan style: elegant, precise, and deeply expressive of its terroir. We hope that this vintage will contribute, beyond our own estate, to revitalising the en primeur market, which is currently facing a challenging period across the Bordeaux region.

Looking further ahead, the future of Bordeaux’s great wines will necessarily involve the development of new international markets. This requires a stronger presence and sustained promotion of our wines—not only in Europe, but also across the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. The latter, while culturally distinct, is following a dynamic of openness similar to that seen in other sectors of the luxury world.

Finally, we will continue to explore carefully considered paths of innovation, such as our white wine project, while remaining true to the identity and values of Château d’Issan.

In conclusion, I am cautiously optimistic about the future: optimistic because our foundations are solid, and cautious because this future will be built, as it always has been at Issan, with high standards, patience, and humility.”