MCDLIII
MCMXCVII
Château de Pressac
was founded in the Middle Ages.
Various architectural elements bear witness to this,
including the monumental gate housed in the estate's outer wall.
The château was fortified on several occasions.
1453
Cited by historians,
Château de Pressac was the site of the surrender
of the Battle of Castillon which marked the end
of the Hundred Years' War.
In the Renaissance period,
Pressac's imposing square
featured some 27 towers,
vestiges of which still remain today.
1737-1747
Vassal de Montviel planted the estate with Auxerrois,
a noble grape variety originating in Quercy.
Adopted by the surrounding vineyards,
this grape became known as "Noir de Pressac".
Sieur Malbek later developed the variety in the Médoc,
where it gradually became referred to as Malbec.
1775
When the château was sold by Sieur d'Anglade,
the site was described as a vineyard
"preceded by moats... vat rooms,
cellars and a forecourt,
all surrounded by castle walls."