The Faces of Bordeaux - Nathalie Perrodo, Château Marquis d’Alesme, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, AOC Margaux
The Faces of Bordeaux
At The Bordeaux Concierge, our aim is to introduce our clients to the real Bordeaux. This includes meeting the people that make Bordeaux what it is today. As part of this effort, we bring these vibrant personalities to our audience at home through our series, The Faces of Bordeaux.
Nathalie Perrodo
Owner, Château Marquis d’Alesme
Nathalie Perrodo took over the family’s wine estates in 2006. She has since transformed the Domaines P. properties, which include the three Margaux estates of Château Marquis d’Alesme, Château Labégorce and Château La Tour de Mons, through her own vision, blending heritage and innovation to create wines that reflect passion and precision and showcasing her approach to contemporary luxury while honoring tradition.
©Rachel Smuin
It has been five years since our last interview, how have things been going at Château Marquis d’Alesme?
The last five years at Château Marquis d’Alesme and Domaines P. have been a journey of passion and exploration, and we've been focused on pushing the boundaries and creating wines that reflect the unique spirit of our vineyards.
Saam Long, our new white wine which we launched in May 2024, is a testament to that. It is a luminous white wine that tells a story of my family, our châteaux, and our commitment to crafting something extraordinary. We wanted to break away from tradition, so we started with a blank canvas in the mid-2010s, guided by Marjolaine de Coninck's visionary approach. Together, we experimented, discovered, and carefully selected Chardonnay, Albarino, and Petit Manseng to create a blend that's vibrant, fresh, and delicately spiced. Its name, meaning ‘three dragons,’ symbolizes the three pillars of our story—my brothers, myself, and the three châteaux that define us.
At Guirardel in the Pyrenees, we're breathing new life into an exceptional terroir, embracing its mountainous amphitheater and crafting dry whites that are as inspiring as the land itself.
Every bottle we create is a reflection of the incredible moments we've shared, and we can’t wait to continue evolving in the Médoc and beyond. The horizon for Domaines P. is shining bright!
You can read our last interview with Marjolaine Maurice de Coninck
General Manager, winemaker and enologist here.
Do the red wines you produce in Margaux share anything in common with the new white wines you’re now producing?
Yes, absolutely. The one thing that all of these wines have in common is the deep respect for the land and its unique terroir, which we approach with a fresh and bold perspective. My family has always valued tradition, and since 2009, it has been my mission to blend this centuries-old legacy with a modern vision of luxury and innovation. Every bottle we produce tells the story of the land it comes from — it reflects not just the soil, climate, and landscape, but also the precise care, confidence, and action we put into crafting it.
With the leadership of my incredible team, particularly Marjolaine de Coninck, we strive for one goal: to capture the very essence of each estate’s character. We want our wines to embody a harmony between the traditional and the contemporary, elevating Bordeaux wines to new heights of excellence. For me, it’s about more than just winemaking — it’s about creating something timeless while embracing the future. I believe in the power of innovation, in daring to take bold steps, while staying true to the roots that make Bordeaux wines so special.
We are lucky to manage some of the most exceptional terroirs in Margaux, and our focus is always on precision. It’s about enhancing the natural potential of our vineyards and producing wines that reflect the soul of the place — the landscape, the history, and the passion we put into every single step. In the end, it’s this balance of tradition and modernity that unites all of our wines — an expression of quality, craftsmanship, and a true sense of place.
©Rachel Smuin
“Every bottle we produce tells the story of the land it comes from — it reflects not just the soil, climate, and landscape, but also the precise care, confidence, and action we put into crafting it.”
Any other exciting projects you are working on?
Yes! While wine has always been my passion, I’ve been pouring my heart into something equally exciting: Yukiguma, a sake that is very close to my heart. Inspired by my father’s love for the mountains, this Junmai Daiginjo sake—crafted in collaboration with Daimon-San at the base of Mount Ikoma in Osaka—captures the purity of nature and the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship.
Yukiguma, meaning “snow bear,” is bold, pure, and majestic, much like the landscapes it draws inspiration from.
Saké has always fascinated me for its deep respect for tradition and nature, and through Yukiguma, I’m sharing that connection. Every sip tells a story—one of family, legacy, and an art form that transcends borders.
What should visitors look for when they visit Château Marquis d’Alesme?
When you visit Château Marquis d'Alesme, I want you to feel like you’re stepping into a world where time slows down. This is more than just a Grand Cru Classé—it’s a sanctuary that marries heritage with bold, contemporary luxury. Nestled in the heart of Margaux, our two-hectare estate blends classicism with refined Asian influences, creating a serene, inspiring space that balances tradition and innovation.
At Château Marquis d'Alesme, we offer more than a visit—it’s a deeply personal encounter with beauty, craftsmanship, and a vision of timeless luxury. You will first enjoy a poetic stroll through our history, our vines, and the care we put into every vintage followed by a tasting where every sip is a moment of celebration and a reflection of the passion and precision behind our wines.
For those who wish to linger, our restaurant, La Table de Nathalie, extends the experience with garden-inspired cuisine that honors the land’s richness.
What does fine wine mean to you?
Fine wine, to me, is so much more than a drink—it’s the soul of a place brought to life. It tells the story of the land, the climate, and the passion of the people who craft it. There’s magic in how nature and human skill come together to transform grapes into something extraordinary. Like a masterpiece painted by many hands, wine is the result of a community working in harmony to create beauty.
Every bottle is a celebration of excellence, where flavor, aroma, and texture blend perfectly. It’s not just about taste—it’s about savoring the experience and connecting to the story behind it. At its heart, wine is a celebration of passion—a tribute to the land, the winemakers, and the artistry that makes each sip unforgettable. It’s an invitation to slow down and embrace the art of living.
What issue or topic in the fine wine world is top of your mind right now?
Right now, what’s most pressing for me in the world of fine wine is finding the balance between caring for our vineyards and facing the challenges of climate change. It’s about more than adapting to warmer temperatures—it’s managing water, soil health, and nurturing the vines in ways that preserve their character while respecting the environment. For me, it’s a forward-thinking approach, blending sustainable practices with a deep love for the land.
At the same time, wine lovers today expect more. There’s a growing demand for wines that are ready to enjoy young, but also for those with the potential to age beautifully and tell a story over time. Meeting both of these desires takes not only skill but a deep understanding of our vineyards and evolving tastes.
This balance between nature, climate, and market needs is both thrilling and challenging. It’s about creativity, commitment, and listening to the land, all while ensuring that our wines reflect the best of what nature offers and what wine lovers seek. It’s a pivotal moment in the wine world—one that inspires innovation while holding onto the traditions that make fine wine so extraordinary.
What are you most excited for in 2025?
In 2025, I’m thrilled to see years of dedication and vision finally take shape. Our ‘Vines & Beyond’ initiative is a game-changer—it’s not just about wine anymore, but about embracing creativity, innovation, and new horizons. This marks the culmination of years of passion as we venture into fresh industries, build partnerships, and expand our impact beyond wine.
It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and crafting a legacy of excellence that spans every area we touch. The future feels limitless, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.
Château Marquis d’Alesme welcomes visitors to the estate in Margaux from Monday to Friday between May and October.
Contact The Bordeaux Concierge to plan your visit to Château Marquis d’Alesme.
Let us introduce you to Château Marquis d’Alesme on your next visit to Bordeaux
