# Château Cailloux de By (2022)

- **Producer:** Château Cailloux de By
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, mint, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, toast, smoke, tobacco, forest floor

## About this wine

Château Cailloux de By is a classic Bordeaux estate located in the Médoc appellation on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary. Known for producing approachable yet structured wines, the estate benefits from the region's gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and heat retention for late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by clay-limestone plots ideal for Merlot. The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a hot, dry summer, resulting in exceptionally concentrated grapes with rich fruit profiles and robust but ripe tannins, making this wine a stellar representation of modern Médoc winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's name 'Cailloux' refers to the signature gravel stones ('cailloux') deposited by the Gironde river, crucial for drainage.
- The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is celebrated for its remarkable concentration and balance despite experiencing one of the hottest summers on record.
- It is crafted as an approachable introduction to the prestigious Left Bank Bordeaux style, offering early drinkability.

## Food pairing

The firm tannin structure and vibrant acidity of this Médoc red wine require rich proteins and savory fats to soften the mouthfeel. Red meats, particularly those with some char or herbal crusts, beautifully complement the dark fruit and subtle oak notes of the wine, while avoiding overly spicy or delicate dishes prevents the wine from overpowering the food or turning bitter.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested at optimal phenolic ripeness, followed by traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats to preserve the vibrant fruit character. Extraction is carefully managed through pump-overs to balance tannin structure and color. The wine is then aged in a combination of French oak barrels and vats for approximately 12 months, integrating the oak influence while maintaining the fresh, terroir-driven characteristics of the Médoc.