Château ESCOT
History
The location of Chateau Escot and its surrounding area has been populated since the times of Rome and Gaul. Rich soil and the presence of a water spring undoubtedly explain why this part of Médoc is of such great interest. Archaeological findings (some of which date back 1500 years) are proof of this. Flints, Roman coins, or coins with rulers from the Midde Ages all give good insights into how people have settled in this area in the past.
The name ESCOT can trace its origins back to the Middle Ages. At the time, the phrase ‘escot’ meant ‘tax-collector’, and the owner of the estate used to collect tax from the nearby area. Although collecting tax has changed considerably since then, the name of the Chateau Escot vineyard remains to this day. It also happens to be one of the oldest vineyards in Médoc, for wine has been grown here for 150 years!
In 1858, the local dignitary and big wine-lover, Monsieur d’Armailhac, cited Chateau Escot among the ‘Crus Bourgeois’. This was a privileged mark of quality, which the British monarch originally gave to citizens of Bordeaux. These people were relieved of fees associated with the local sale and export of their own wines. This freedom from taxes convinced rich families from Bordeaux to purchase the most lucrative estates in the surrounding area. A prized terroir meant that wine-growers could produce high-quality wine, and so the ‘Crus des Bourgeois’ became a significant point of reference for winemakers. This process was so successful that it even survived the revolution and the abolition of privilege. It continues to be used to describe excellent wines from the region to this day.
In 1932, this unofficial expression gained legal status. In the interests of clarity and making it more specific, the CCI (Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Bordeaux Région) and Chambers of Agriculture featured themselves in the first official Cru Bourgeois classification.
Four hundred and forty-four wines have been given this prestigious title since its inception, among which there are several from Chateau ESCOT!
Vision
Ninety years later, after many changes and several different owners, this vineyard has fallen under the auspices of a company from the Czech Republic, and the Cru Bourgeois label still features on the wine’s badge! This continuity is even more admirable due to the fact that from 2008, a committee of experts known as the Aliance Crus Bourgeois de Médoc must assess the wine every two years.
The same process applies next year at Chateau Escot. The entire team of owners and their colleagues on the estate will always set it as its priority to ensure that this prestigious label never leaves this noble wine’s badge!
