Château Maucamps

Identity

Château Maucamps is located in the commune of Macau. The property is managed by Alain Tessandier, with Claude Gaudin as estate manager.

History and philosophy

The earliest records of the estate date back to 1850. In the 18th century, the Lalanne family owned Maucamps. In 1954, Gisèle Tessandier acquired the property. Since then, Château Maucamps has remained in the Tessandier family. The estate is committed to a traditional working philosophy aimed at keeping yields moderate. Château Maucamps is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE).

Appellations

Château Maucamps produces wines under the Haut-Médoc appellation. It is also classified as a Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois.

Practical information

Château Maucamps is located at BP 11, 33460 Macau. To contact the estate, call +33 (0)5 57 88 07 64 or email chateaumaucamps@wanadoo.fr. The cellar door is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Guided tours and tastings are available year-round by appointment. These visits last around 1 hour 30 minutes and are available in French and English. The estate also offers direct cellar-door and mail-order sales.

Find out more

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Maucamps vineyard extends over an area of 22.5 hectares (according to one source), 15 hectares (according to another source), or 34 hectares (according to yet another source), entirely dedicated to red grape varieties. The soils consist of gravel or clay-gravel, benefiting from the influence of the Garonne. The average age of the vines is 30 years. The grape varieties planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Flagship cuvées

The estate's flagship wine is Château Maucamps Cru Bourgeois. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aims to combine the power, structure, and depth brought by Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruity suppleness of Merlot, along with the spicy notes and subtle aromatic signature of Petit Verdot. Each vintage reflects the specific climatic conditions of the year. For instance, the 2019 vintage is characterised by a balance between the solar power of the Merlots and the tension of the Cabernets, offering aromas of black cherry, blackberry, stewed fruit, and spices, with an ample and structured palate. The 2020 vintage is described as precise, vibrant, rich, and silky, displaying a deep garnet robe and notes of ripe red fruit, sweet spices, and integrated oak. The 2021 vintage, marked by a return to more classic balance, presents an elegant, fine, and pure style, with red fruit aromas and a floral dimension. The 2022 vintage, a warm, sunny year, offers a dense, precise wine with deep aromas of baked black fruit. Finally, the 2023 vintage, featuring fruity Merlots, Cabernets, and Petits Verdots, delivers aromas of ripe dark fruit, dried herbs, and discreet oak, with a supple and fresh attack.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification is carried out plot by plot in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wines are aged in around 300 French oak barrels, 25% of which are new. Starting with the 2024 vintage, the estate introduced amphorae for ageing.