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Maucaillou is owned by the Dourthe Company, founded in Bordeaux in 1840 by Pierre Dourthe. Today they own over a dozen major chateaux in Bordeaux, all of which are known for very high quality. They purchased Maucaillou in 1929. By 1987 they had become the largest property owner in Bordeaux.
The name means "bad stones," a term coined by farmers in the Middle Ages who had no luck planting any crop except vines because the land was mostly stones instead of earth. It happens to be the best place to plant vines because it forces the roots to meander deeper to find water. As they do this, they also pick up essential nutrients which the send up to the branches. The only other agricultural product that grows in this soil is an olive tree, which is why you see olive trees and vineyards planted next to each other.
The chateau is in Moulis, the smallest and least known appellation in the Haut Medoc. It does, however, boast of its famous neighbors like Pauillac, which houses three of the five first growths, St. Julien and Margaux. The blend here is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 7% Petite Verdot. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon shows off the presence and power of the wine. The Haut Medoc has more Cabernet Sauvignon planted here than any other appellation in Bordeaux.
That's what accounts for the power and majesty of this wine. Ripe plum and cassis dominate the flavors followed by earth and spice. A classic chateaubriand would be a perfect foil.
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