Château La Gaffelière

5 centuries of winemaking history

BETWEEN DIPLOMACY AND VITICULTURE

The region ofSaint-Emilioncultivates vines from the LowerMiddle AgesAt that time, the lepers occupied the area. Lepers were indeed called this because of their walking stick, the gaffelière, which allowed them to support themselves. During this same period, on the English battlefields,Guillaume MalletShe received handsome rewards for her victory at the Battle of Hastings. Ennobled after 1066, her family followed in her footsteps by participating in major battles and expeditions.

The branchMalet-Roquefort, which can still be found today, is born from the union betweenLouis Malet de la ForieAndMarguerite de CalvimontIn 1654. In 1705 the family settled in Saint-Emilion. Louis and Marguerite's son married a woman named Isabeau. This union allowed the Malet family to add the La Gaffelière vineyards to their holdings.

In 1990, a major restructuring was undertaken. In 2004, Alexandre and Léo deMalet-Roquefortbegin their collaboration withStéphane Derenoncourt.

Saint-Emilion vineyards

A TERROIR FAVORABLE TO GREAT WINES

It is on the southern slopes ofSaint-Emilionwhere is theChâteau la GaffelièreThe 38 hectares of vines are planted with Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) on clay and limestone soils with asterias fossils, interspersed with green marl. This unique location allows for natural drainage of the soils via the slope, as well as water regulation for the vines thanks to the clay. The vineyard benefits from a south/southwest exposure, which allows the grapes to grow in optimal conditions.

It's asustainable agriculturewhich is practiced by the teams ofChâteau La GaffelièreThe vineyard is divided into 3 plots where leaf thinning and green harvesting are carried out. The vines, pruned using the Guyot method, have an average age of35 years old.

The combined efforts of the past four centuries have allowed Château La Gaffelière wine to rise among thePremiers Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Emilionaccording to the 1959 ranking.

The know-how

BETWEEN TRADITIONAL VITICULTURE AND MODERN WINEMAKING

The 2000s marked a true turning point in the estate's operations. The vineyard was completely replanted and restructured. The winery was renovated to facilitate winemaking and ensure the quality of the wines produced at the estate. A new stainless steel vat room, composed of inverted truncated cone-shaped tanks, was installed at the Château. After manual harvesting and meticulous sorting of the grapes, they are placed in these tanks for a short period.

The wines are aged in barrels of50% new French oakThey are then welcomed into the underground cellars of theChâteau la Gaffelièrefor a period of 14 to 16 months. Two rackings will be carried out during this period. The blending will take place before bottling with the intervention ofStéphane Derenoncourt.