Château Maucaillou

Historic Building and Vinyard in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / PA

Château Maucaillou is a historic wine estate located in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, France. The château was established in 1871 by the Petit-Laroche family, who were successful wine merchants at the time. The name “Maucaillou” translates to “bad stones,” referring to the poor, rocky soils that were unsuitable for traditional crops but ideal for growing high-quality grapevines. The estate’s grand château, built in 1875, features an eclectic architectural style, blending elements from the Renaissance and 17th-century designs. Over the years, Château Maucaillou has gained recognition for its commitment to producing exceptional wines.

The vineyard spans 86 hectares, with a terroir dominated by gravel-based soils that provide excellent drainage and contribute to the complexity of the wines. The estate primarily cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%), and Petit Verdot (5%), creating wines that are rich, structured, and capable of aging beautifully. The winemaking process involves fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in tanks. The wines are then aged in 60% new French oak barrels for 16–18 months, enhancing their depth and character. Château Maucaillou produces a second wine, Le No 2 de Maucaillou, and a third wine, Le Haut-Médoc de Maucaillou, which comes from vines planted outside the Moulis appellation.

Beyond its winemaking excellence, Château Maucaillou is also home to a wine museum, showcasing artifacts and artworks related to Bordeaux’s rich viticultural history. The estate has remained under the ownership of the Dourthe family, who have expanded its vineyards and maintained its reputation for producing high-quality wines. Visitors to the château can explore its historic cellars, learn about its winemaking techniques, and experience tastings of its renowned vintages. Whether enjoyed young or aged for decades, Château Maucaillou continues to be a distinguished name in Bordeaux winemaking.

The Château Maucaillou appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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