Château Picque-Caillou
シャトー・ピック・カイユ
Historic 1755 Pessac-Léognan estate next to Haut-Brion, revived to elegant excellence
Château Picque-Caillou is a distinguished estate founded in 1755, located in the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation on the outskirts of Bordeaux city, neighbouring the iconic Châteaux Haut-Brion and Pape Clément. The name derives from the French word 'caillou' (pebble), reflecting the estate's characteristic gravelly terroir deposited by the Garonne River over millennia. In 2007, Paulin Calvet revitalized the property with the guidance of consulting oenologists Professor Denis Dubourdieu and Valérie Lavigne, earning rapid recognition for its elegant, reliable quality. The estate cultivates 22 hectares of vines averaging 25 years of age, producing red wines from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, and white wines from 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon. Hand harvesting and meticulous sorting ensure consistent quality. Red wines are aged 12 months in oak barrels (35% new) producing approximately 70,000 bottles annually, while white wines are aged 7 months in barrel (20% new) yielding around 8,000 bottles per year.
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Who Is This For?
Wine lovers seeking elegant, food-friendly Bordeaux without paying First Growth prices. Ideal for those who appreciate refined gravelly terroir and the classic red-and-white dual style of Pessac-Léognan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of wines does Château Picque-Caillou produce?
- Château Picque-Caillou produces both red and white wines. The red is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend (60% CS, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot) with elegant structure, while the white is a Sauvignon Blanc-led blend (80% SB, 20% Sémillon) with fresh citrus character and light oak influence.
- How is Château Picque-Caillou connected to famous Bordeaux estates?
- Château Picque-Caillou is a direct neighbour of Château Haut-Brion and Château Pape Clément, two of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates. It shares the same gravelly Pessac-Léognan terroir and benefits from the same urban microclimate that produces wines of remarkable finesse.
- What is the best way to enjoy Château Picque-Caillou rouge?
- The red wine is best enjoyed with lamb roast, duck breast, or beef steak after 5-10 years of cellaring. It pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, aged cheeses, and Japanese sukiyaki or beef stew.
- When was Château Picque-Caillou revitalized and by whom?
- In 2007, Paulin Calvet took over management of the estate and enlisted top consulting oenologists Professor Denis Dubourdieu and Valérie Lavigne. This partnership rapidly elevated Picque-Caillou's reputation among wine professionals for its reliable quality and elegant style.
- Is Château Picque-Caillou blanc good for aging?
- Yes, the white wine is aged 7 months in French oak barrels and has good aging potential of 5-10 years. With time it develops complex honey, toast, and stone fruit notes that complement its fresh Sauvignon Blanc character.