Château de Malleret

Identity

Château de Malleret is located in the commune of Le Pian-Médoc, in the Gironde. The estate is owned by the descendants of Philippe-Frédéric Clossmann. Paul Bordes has managed the vineyard since 2013, with Stéphane Derenoncourt acting as consulting oenologist alongside his team, including Simon Blanchard and Hannah Fiegenschuh.

History and philosophy

The history of Château de Malleret dates back to the 16th century, with records mentioning Pierre Eyquem around 1500, followed by Pierre de Malleret's acquisition in 1593. In 1830, Vincent Février transformed Malleret into a winegrowing estate. Philippe-Frédéric Clossmann acquired the property in 1860, and the family has ensured its continuity for more than 150 years. The estate was classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2018 and 2020.

The estate's philosophy focuses on environmentally friendly viticultural practices. Soil management relies on earthing-up and un-earthing along the vine rows, while grass cover is maintained by sowing cereals to promote drainage. The estate uses neither herbicides nor insecticides, with the latter replaced by pheromone traps (sexual confusion). Organic matter is supplied by shredding vine prunings on site to create plant compost. Organic or biocontrol products are prioritised for plant protection treatments, with the exception of mandatory treatment against flavescence dorée. Trials are also underway, including UV vine treatments. The estate is equally committed to biodiversity, notably through hedgerow planting.

The appellations

Château de Malleret produces wines under several appellations. The main cuvée, Château de Malleret, alongside Le Baron de Malleret and Château Barthez, falls under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The estate also owns a plot in Margaux that yields the "Margaux" du Château de Malleret, under the Margaux appellation. Wines are also crafted under the Vin de France designation, such as Red de Malleret and Blanc de noir de Malleret. Finally, a white wine is produced under the Bordeaux Blanc appellation, alongside a Rose de Malleret as Vin de France.

Practical information

Château de Malleret is located at 470, chemin de Malleret, 33290 Le Pian-Médoc. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 35 05 36 and by email at contact@chateau-malleret.fr. The estate welcomes visitors by appointment for tours and tastings, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. These visits are offered at a rate of €15 per person.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château de Malleret vineyard spans 57 hectares within a 350-hectare estate. The average age of the vines is 30 years, and the target planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare. The soils consist of Günzian gravel and fine gravel, offering exceptional drainage. The vineyard is divided into three main plots of around 20 hectares each, each featuring distinct geology. A small plot of around 3.5 hectares, planted exclusively with Merlot, is situated in the Margaux sector. The grape varieties on the other plots are not specified in the documentary records. Harvesting is carried out by hand across the entire vineyard. Interplanting and replacing dead vines with Cabernet Sauvignon are also carried out.

Flagship cuvées

Château de Malleret offers several cuvées, each with its own character. Château de Malleret, classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, is the estate's iconic wine from the Haut-Médoc appellation. Le Baron de Malleret is the second wine of the estate, also under the Haut-Médoc appellation. The "Margaux" du Château de Malleret is a dedicated cuvée from a Merlot plot situated in the Margaux appellation. Blanc de noir de Malleret is crafted exclusively from Merlot. The estate also produces Red de Malleret, Château Barthez, Bordeaux Blanc de Malleret and Rose de Malleret, certified respectively under Vin de France, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux Blanc, and Vin de France.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification at Château de Malleret relies on gravity-fed vatting into concrete and wooden vats ranging in capacity from 40 to 140 hectolitres. Punching down (pigeage) is carried out. Stéphane Derenoncourt and his team advise the estate on technical viticultural and winemaking practices.