The Estate
A few rare archival documents at the estate reveal the year 1695 as the birth vintage of this family property in Sauternes-Barsac.
In the mid-19th century, Louis SARRAUTE, a renowned importer in Cuba, purchased Château Caillou upon his return to France. His estate was then classified as a Second Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes and Barsac in 1855. In 1909, following the death of Louis SARRAUTE and due to the diseases that affected the Bordeaux vineyards at the end of the 19th century, the vineyard was put up for sale.
Joseph BALLAN, then a winegrower on the Right Bank, acquired the Grand Cru Classé, drawn to its geographical location, limestone terroir, and single-block vineyard. Within a few years, Château Caillou regained its production capacity and level of excellence. His daughter, Reine BALLAN, carried on her father’s work with passion and dedication, alongside her husband Joseph BRAVO and with the expertise of Emile PEYNAUD, considered the father of modern oenology. Their children, Jean-Bernard and Marie-José, inherited the estate in the 1990s. From 1997 onwards, Marie-José became the sole owner and managed the estate with her husband, Michel PIERRE.
Today, their sons, Jean-Noël and Sébastien PIERRE, continue this century-old family legacy. They strive to preserve this precious heritage while bringing a new dynamic to the estate.
The Wine
Hand harvesting, late harvest with a selection of botrytized grapes. Fermentation and aging in oak barrels, new or one-year-old.
Tasting
The nose is complex, and the palate is intense, with a beautiful minerality. It can be enjoyed young or kept for up to 30 years, even longer depending on the vintage.
