Chateau Sociando-MalletProducer from Bordeaux, France

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux

Château Sociando-Mallet is one of the most respected estates in the Haut-Médoc appellation, known for producing wines of exceptional structure, depth, and ageing potential. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Sociando-Mallet is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Haut-Médoc terroir. With a history that dates back to the 17th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Sociando-Mallet is a true benchmark for the region.

History of Château Sociando-Mallet

The history of Château Sociando-Mallet dates back to the 17th century when the estate was first established by the Sociando family. The property changed hands several times over the centuries, eventually being acquired by the Mallet family in the 19th century, who added their name to the estate. However, it was not until 1969, when Jean Gautreau purchased Château Sociando-Mallet, that the estate began to gain significant recognition.

Under Gautreau’s ownership, extensive investments were made in the vineyard and winery, including replanting vines, modernizing the winemaking facilities, and improving vineyard management practices. These efforts have helped Château Sociando-Mallet regain its status as one of the leading estates in the Haut-Médoc, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, concentration, and ability to age gracefully.

The Terroir of Château Sociando-Mallet

The terroir of Château Sociando-Mallet is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 85 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly ridge overlooking the Gironde estuary, where the soils are a mix of deep gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the dominant grape variety at Sociando-Mallet, along with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard is planted with 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and ageing potential, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Sociando-Mallet to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Sociando-Mallet

Winemaking at Château Sociando-Mallet is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, with about 30% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.