Chateau de Malle -Sauternes
Chateau de Malle, located in the Sauternes appellation of Bordeaux, is named after the former owner, Jacques de Malle. Jacques de Malle founded the estate and built the splendid original chateau around 1650. Chateau de Malle fell into mediocrity for several decades until Pierre de Bournazel, a relative of the Lur Saluces family, took over the estate. Pierre de Bournazel revitalized Chateau de Malle, replanted the vineyards, renovated the chateau and all its winemaking facilities and cellars. The de Bournazel family now runs the Chateau de Malle. The 28-hectare vineyard Chateau de Malle is planted at 88% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon, 4% Muscadelle, which shows a change in vineyards with more Semillon and less Sauvignon Blanc. They have a terroir of gravel, clay, sand and calcareous soil. In total, the property consists of 50 hectares of land, of which 28 are vineyards. The rest of their estate is taken up by a splendid surrounding park and a lake which is reflected behind the castle. It is one of the most picturesque estates in the appellation. The vines have an average age of 35 years. The vineyard is planted with a density of 6,000 vines per hectare. Vinification takes place in a combination of 100% new French oak barrels and one year old French oak barrels for 12 - 18 months.