Château Fayau
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Family-owned since 1826, crafting both structured reds and Sauternes-rivalling sweet wines in the heart of Cadillac.
Château Fayau is the historic heart of the Médeville family estate, located in the centre of Cadillac, approximately 30 km southeast of Bordeaux. Viticultural activity at the site dates back to 1711, and the Médeville family has owned the property since 1826. Today, seventh-generation brothers Jean and Marc Médeville oversee 41 hectares of clay-siliceous soils that produce a diverse portfolio of wines: structured Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux reds, dry whites, rosé, clairet, and the estate's celebrated botrytized sweet wines under the Cadillac appellation—including the exceptional Grains Nobles cuvée made from hand-harvested, individually selected noble-rot grapes. The flagship red, Cuvée Jean Médeville (created 1993 in tribute to the brothers' grandfather), blends 60% Merlot with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Château Fayau is part of the Médeville family's 180-hectare portfolio spanning multiple Bordeaux appellations.
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for wine lovers seeking authentic Bordeaux heritage at approachable prices—from Merlot-led reds to complex botrytized whites that rival Sauternes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the history behind Château Fayau?
- Winemaking at the site dates back to 1711, making it one of the oldest estates in Cadillac. The Médeville family purchased the property in 1826 and currently runs it in the seventh generation through brothers Jean and Marc Médeville.
- What makes Château Fayau's Grains Nobles sweet wine special?
- The Grains Nobles cuvée is produced only in exceptional harvest years using 90% Sémillon grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), harvested by hand in successive selective passes between September and November. The result is a rich, complex sweet wine aged in underground cellars, comparable in style to Sauternes but at a significantly more accessible price.
- What red wines does Château Fayau produce?
- The estate's signature red is Cuvée Jean Médeville, a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12 months in French oak barrels with cellaring potential of 5 years and beyond. The estate also produces a classic Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux red made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
- How large is the Château Fayau vineyard and what is the terroir?
- The estate covers 41 hectares of vines on clay-siliceous (argilo-graveleux) soils on the hillsides overlooking the town of Cadillac. This terroir is ideal for producing both structured red wines and naturally sweet botrytized whites.
- Is Château Fayau good value for money?
- Yes. Château Fayau consistently offers high quality at prices well below comparable appellations. Its sweet Cadillac wines in particular are considered outstanding value compared to Sauternes, while the reds offer classic Bordeaux character at everyday prices.