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The powerful Durfort de Duras family founded their vineyard in the 12th century and the property remained in their ownership until the 19th century. Over the centuries, the family - either directly or by marriage ¨C contributed to the rise and later to the consecration of the great M¨¦doc wines, through their properties Durfort and Lamothe, presently Chateau Margaux.
In 1775, during his visit to Bordeaux, Thomas Jefferson noted the quality of the Durfort wines, placing them directly after Lafite, Haut Brion and Margaux. His opinion was sanctioned by the 1855 classification when Durfort Vivens received the title of second growth wine in the M¨¦doc.
Today the Durfort-Vivens vineyards comprise 32 hectares in all. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, accounting for 70% of the vineyard, in keeping with that at other properties in Margaux. The remainder is 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Durfort-Vivens continues to produce the best quality wines from this superb soil.
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