Henri Martin
A key figure in the Médoc
THEGloria Castlewas created in 1942 by the passionateHenri MartinHe was born into the world of wine and quickly became a cooper, like his father. He subsequently became very influential, even presiding over the Bordeaux Wine Interprofessional Council. At the same time, he harbored a desire to create a renowned estate. While mayor of Saint-Julien at the time, he purchased a 6-hectare plot from Château Beychevelle. Exclusively composed of parcels ofclassified growthsHe then devoted himself patiently and passionately for several decades to building up a vineyard, eventually reaching almost 50 hectares. This key figure in the Médoc has managed to elevate Château Gloria to the level of the excellent wines of the commune, although it never obtained the revision of the 1855 classification which would have allowed it to be included (this consequently makes it excellent value for money).
Jean-Louis Triaud
Worthy successor
When Henri Martin died in 1991, he bequeathed the estate to his son-in-law.Jean-Louis TriaudHe also claims to have inherited his absolute faith in the vine and wine, and his unwavering optimism. He has since been managingGloria Castlewith his wife Françoise Martin, as well as the owner of the fourth-growth classified Château Saint-Pierre. Over the years, they undertook numerous renovations and modernizations to the production facilities, including a new barrel cellar in 2000. Today, their son Jean and the general manager Rémi Di Costanzo assist Jean-Louis in creating superb wines, vintage after vintage. In addition, Jean-Louis Triaud is president of the Girondins de Bordeaux, a position Henri Martin held during his lifetime.
Saint-Julien
Between physicality and finesse
The vineyard is spread across three areas: in the center of Beychevelle, to the west and north of theSaint-Julien appellation...as far as Pauillac. Its grape varieties are classic: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot (5% each). The château was also one of the first to invest in Petit Verdot. This excellent grape variety was, however, present in the Médoc long before Cabernet Sauvignon, and it gives the wine greater aromatic and tannic richness. Its terroir consists of Günzian gravel and sandy clay in the subsoil.
The château meticulously maintains its vines, cultivating them according to the principles of sustainable agriculture. The estate vinifies its grapes traditionally in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. All these rigorous practices combined allow for the production of exceptional wines.Saint-Julien AOCwhich impose their quality within the appellation. They can be enjoyed from 5 years of age, but a few years of aging allow them to develop fully, with their aging potential extending up to 40 years. Gloria, like many Saint-Julien wines, displays a beautiful balance between body and finesse.
