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
Manual harvesting of Sauvignon grapes. Fermentation and aging on lees in barrels for 9 to 12 months.
Tasting
On the nose, the wine is aromatic and mineral, with intense aromas of white flowers and citrus. On the palate, the structure is surprising, balancing richness and freshness, with exotic and mineral notes. A wine to be enjoyed in its youth, paired with oysters, clams, or sea bream with preserved lemon.
