Josephine de Boyd is the second wine of Margaux’s famed Chateau Boyd-Cantenac.  The history of this estate dates back to 1754 when nobleman Jacques Boyd bought a property which included some vineyards in the commune of Cantenac (hence the name).  The property changed hands many times before being acquired by the Guillemet family in 1932. The Guillemets own the estate to this day and have embarked on an ambitious program of building and modernization, including constructing a new winery (the original building had been sold to neighboring Chateau Margaux in 1929).  Chateau Boyd-Cantenac was classified as a “Third Growth” in the 1855 classification. Boyd-Cantenac’s wines are known for their round, easy-drinking style.

The 17-hectare property is planted to a vine of 10,000 vines per hectare. The soil is mostly gravel and sand, and the vines average around 40 years of age.  The vineyard is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.

Vinification takes place in both temperature-controlled, stainless-steel vats and concrete tanks. The vats range in size from 50 to 150 hectoliters. Skin maceration varies from 2 to 5 weeks depending on the vintage characteristics, malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks. The wines are aged for 12 to 18 months in oak, of which 30-60% is new.