Château Caillou

Château Caillou sits on a sloping hilltop in Barsac, the commune that produces wines under both the Barsac and Sauternes appellations. The estate name translates directly from the French word for pebbles, a fitting tribute to the stony subsoil that defines the site. The clay-limestone plateau is studded with red sand, pebbles, and stones, providing excellent drainage and heat retention. This elevated, well-drained position contributes to the concentration and complexity that characterizes the estate's sweet wines.

• Clay-limestone plateau with red sand, pebbles, and stones in the subsoil
• Sloping hilltop aspect promotes drainage and moderates vine stress
• Temperate maritime climate supports the conditions needed for Botrytis cinerea development
• Vineyard area ranges from 13 to 18 hectares

The estate is planted predominantly to Sémillon at 90%, with Sauvignon Blanc accounting for the remaining 10%. This Sémillon-dominant blend is characteristic of top Sauternes and Barsac producers, as the variety's thin skin makes it highly susceptible to Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot responsible for the region's signature concentrated sweetness. The flagship wine is a classic botrytized sweet white, though Château Caillou produces a notably diverse portfolio for a classified Barsac estate.

• 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard
• Primary production is sweet botrytized white wine
• Les Érables de Caillou serves as the second sweet white label
• Caillou Sec is the estate's dry white wine
• Cru du Clocher is a dry red wine produced on the property
• A sparkling Crémant is also produced, rounding out the range

The estate was purchased from Louis Sarraute by Joseph Ballan in 1909, beginning a century-long tradition of family stewardship. The Ballan family managed the property until 1997, during which time the Bravo family also held an ownership stake from 1943. In 1997, the Pierre family acquired Château Caillou and continues to operate it today. Marie Josée and Michel Pierre led the estate through a period of renewed attention, and in 2017 their son Sébastien Pierre took over winemaking and management responsibilities, representing the latest generation to carry this classified estate forward.

• Joseph Ballan purchased the estate from Louis Sarraute in 1909
• Bravo family held a stake from 1943 to 1997
• Pierre family acquired the estate in 1997
• Sébastien Pierre assumed leadership in 2017

Château Caillou holds the rank of Deuxième Cru Classé, or Second Growth, in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac. This classification system, established alongside the more famous Médoc classification, divided Sauternes producers into Premier Cru Supérieur, Premier Cru, and Deuxième Cru tiers. Château Caillou's consistent inclusion at the Second Growth level reflects both the quality of its terroir and the estate's long track record. As a Barsac producer, its wines can be labeled either as Barsac or Sauternes, giving it flexibility in how it presents its wines to the market.