Chateau d’Issan

Chateau d’Issan is steeped in history; it has even been suggested that the estate lies on the site where the 15th century English army, having been defeated at Castillon, made their last stand. The chateau itself is less old, but few estates boast a moated 17th century building.

The first documented reference to Chateau d’Issan dates back to the 12th century when the Guyenne region of France was under English rule. Over time, it was home to several families – the “Segur”, “Salignac” and “La Vergne” families – followed by the Chevalier d’Essenault, in the 17th century. Essenault, Counsellor to the Bordeaux Parliament, razed the old castle and rebuilt the Chateau as it stands today. He also gave his name to the property, which became shortened to “Issan”.

In the 19th century, in addition to being listed in the famous 1855 Classification, Chateau d’Issan underwent extensive construction by the Roy family, including new cellars and vat houses. With its splendid vineyards of gravelly soil, the property gained widespread recognition and was considered a model of its kind.

History confirms Chateau d’Isaan’s renown through the ages and remains its crowning glory. Issan is the wine that celebrated the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henri Plantagenet in 1152… was commended for the cellars of Prince of Wales in 1723… and the favour at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria.

Such is the royal heritage of Chateau d’Issan, proudly reflected in its motto: Regum mensis aris que deorum (For the table of kings and the abode of the gods).

At the beginning of the 20th century, Issan’s reputation went into something of a decline until 1945, when the Cruse family (already established in the Medoc for more than 150 years), purchased the property and revealed its true potential. Today, the heirs of Emmanuel Sr. and Marguerite Cruse run the estate with true passion and continue to make improvements both in the vineyards and in the technical aspects of winemaking.