Château Brethous

Identity

Château Brethous is a family-run winegrowing estate located in Camblanes-et-Meynac, in Gironde. The property is managed by Cécile Mallié-Verdier and Thierry Mallié, with the latter also serving as winemaker and technical director.

History and philosophy

The origins of Château Brethous date back to the 18th century, taking its name from a Bordeaux parliament jurat who founded the estate. The property, characterised by its traditional chartreuse residence, was acquired in 1963 by François and Denise Verdier, who were among the pioneers of integrated viticulture in Gironde.

In 1998, Cécile Mallié-Verdier took over the reins, later marrying Thierry Mallié in 2008. Under their leadership, the estate committed to environmentally friendly viticulture, initiating conversion to organic farming in 2009 and releasing its first certified organic cuvée in 2012. The estate also practices biodynamics. The château's philosophy is to craft high-quality wines while respecting the health and longevity of its terroirs.

The appellations

Château Brethous produces wines under the Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

Practical information

Château Brethous is located at 28 Chemin Du Jonc, 33360 Camblanes-et-Meynac. For enquiries or bookings, the estate can be contacted by telephone on 05 56 20 77 76 or by email at brethous@libertysurf.fr.

The estate offers vineyard tours and tastings of two certified organic and biodynamic wines, hosted directly by the winemakers. The tour lasts approximately 49 minutes and is priced at €10 per person. Advance booking by phone or email is recommended. Cellar-door sales are also available.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Brethous vineyard spans 15 hectares. It is planted on clay-limestone and gravel soils. The vines are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. The principal grape variety is Merlot, complemented by Cabernets.

Flagship cuvées

Château Brethous offers several red wine cuvées, as well as rosé and clairet wines.

Red Wines

• La Cuvée Classique: A wine offering a fine balance of red and black fruit aromas, with present yet delicate and soft tannins. The blend of the 2015 Cuvée Classique was predominantly Merlot (97%) with a small touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (3%). Part of the ageing takes place in oak barrels for one year.
• La Cuvée Prestige: This cuvée is crafted from a blend of Merlot and Cabernets. It is aged in French oak barrels for one year.
• Arpège: This special cuvée, whose name changes with each vintage (such as Prélude, Prélude en Duo, Cantate, Sonate), is produced from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is entirely vinified and aged in new French oak barrels for two years.
• Le B de Brethous: A red wine produced by the estate.
• C'est La Vie !: Another red wine cuvée.

Rosé and Clairet Wines

• Le Clairet: This wine is crafted with a two-day maceration.
• Rosé Claquettes: A rosé wine produced by the estate.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification and ageing vary according to the cuvée. For Le Clairet, maceration is short (two days). La Cuvée Classique benefits from partial barrel ageing. La Cuvée Prestige is aged in French oak barrels for one year. The Arpège cuvée, meanwhile, is entirely vinified and aged in new French oak barrels for a period of two years.