Château Caillou - Grand Cru Classé

The Art of Sauternes Winemaking at Château Caillou

Château Caillou, a Grand Cru Classé estate since 1855, was purchased at auction in 1909 by Mr. Ballan. In 1997, his granddaughter Marie-Jose, alongside her husband Michel Pierre, took over the management of the estate, continuing the family legacy. In 2017, their two sons, Jean-Noël and Sébastien, assumed control of the winery. The vineyard spans approximately 18 hectares and is located in Barsac, a picturesque village south of Bordeaux, on a clay-limestone plateau interspersed with pebbles.

At Château Caillou, Sémillon is the primary grape variety, prized for its ability to develop "noble rot." This natural phenomenon enhances sugar concentration in the berries, resulting in the rich, complex wines that define Sauternes. The late harvest is carefully performed by hand in multiple passes through the rows to ensure only the best grapes are selected. This meticulous process, combined with the choice of skilled coopers and blending different barrel ages, imparts the wines with their signature complexity and aromatic richness, creating a truly exceptional Sauternes experience.