Château Caillou

Château Caillou - A traditional second growth in Barsac

Location & Classification: Château Caillou is located in the commune of Barsac, which is part of the world-famous Sauternes wine-growing region in Bordeaux. The estate is named after the many pebbles (caillou = pebble) in the soil . In the Bordeaux classification of 1855, the estate was categorised as "Deuxième Cru Classé " (second growth). This makes it one of the best producers of noble sweet white wines, even if the categorisation is occasionally debated in some sources due to its historical significance.

History & ownership: The winery is mentioned in documents as early as 1695. Shortly before the 1855 classification, the merchant Louis Sarraute, who had returned from Cuba, acquired the estate and had the country house built, which still exists today. In 1909, the estate was sold at auction to the Ballan family, who still own it today. Since 2017, the estate has been managed by Marie-Josée and Michel Pierre's sons, Jean-Noël and Sébastien, who are continuing the family tradition. The estate is one of the few classified estates in Bordeaux that has not changed the size and location of its vineyards since 1855.

Winemaking & style: The estate's 13 to 18 hectare vineyard is planted with a very high proportion of the Sémillon grape variety (approx. 90-96%), supplemented by a small proportion of Sauvignon Blanc . Sémillon is particularly susceptible to noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which is responsible for the complex sweet wines of the appellation. The grapes are harvested by hand in several passes .

Today, the estate is also a pioneer in other respects: it was the first classified estate in Sauternes and Barsac to producea Crémant de Bordeaux (a sparkling wine). The style of Château Caillou's Grand Vin is characterised by great finesse and minerality, which is typical of the Barsac terroir.

The wine portfolio: The winery offers a wide range of wines:

Grand Vin: The main noble sweet wine, classified as 2ème Cru Classé. Depending on the vintage, it is made from100% Sémillon or as a blend and matures for 18 to 24 months in barriques.
Cuvée Reine: A prestigious, very rare selection that is only produced in the best vintages. It is named after Joseph Ballan's second daughter.
Les Tourelles de Caillou: The estate's second wine, which is often matured in stainless steel tanks and offers a fresher, more accessible style .
Les Érables de Caillou: A third wine that matures for 12 months in barriques .
Les Murets de Caillou & Myosotis du Château Caillou: Dry white wines from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Les Bulles de Caillou: A Crémant de Bordeaux made from 100% Sémillon, which is also offered as a rosé.