Château Maucamps
What sets Château Maucamps apart is, above all, its heritage, driven by a bold vision and a constant pursuit of excellence. Its exceptional terroir, commitment to sustainable viticulture, and meticulous winemaking techniques make it a high-level Cru Bourgeois, appreciated by both enthusiasts and connoisseurs. With each vintage, it continues the story of a cherished passion and preserved expertise, affirming its unique identity at the heart of the Médoc.
History
In the Haut-Médoc, a land of exception where each vine whispers tales of the past, Château Maucamps stands with grandeur. Its story begins in the 19th century, recorded in the renowned Cocks & Féret of 1850. However, it was in 1954 that a bold woman, Gisèle Tessandier, née Thomas de Dancourt, wrote a new chapter. Coming from an aristocratic lineage and endowed with a visionary spirit, she acquired the estate with the ambition of restoring its former glory. Yet fate dealt her a tragic hand—she passed away six months later, leaving her husband, Jacques Tessandier, to take the reins in challenging circumstances. Despite the hardships, he shaped the estate’s future, initiating a legacy of expertise and passion that endures to this day.
The Vineyard
The vineyard of Château Maucamps spans 22.5 hectares, rooted in gravelly hilltops over a clay subsoil—an ideal combination for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Sustainable viticulture is a daily commitment, supported by modern tools such as a weather station and disease prediction models. Each harvest is carefully analyzed, both through tasting and scientific assessment, ensuring optimal quality. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) Level 3 since 2021, the estate is fully dedicated to an environmentally respectful and biodiversity-conscious approach.
Winemaking & Aging
The winemaking process at Château Maucamps combines tradition and precision. Each parcel is vinified separately, allowing for a rigorous selection of the grapes. After full destemming, fermentation takes place in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks, with temperature control around 28°C and daily pump-overs to ensure optimal extraction of aromas and tannins. The maceration period lasts between three and five weeks, followed by rackings adjusted based on tasting evaluations. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, with 25% to 40% renewed each year depending on the vintage, imparting remarkable structure and complexity.
Wine Character
Château Maucamps embodies the nobility of the Haut-Médoc through a wine of great elegance. The dominant presence of Cabernet Sauvignon provides a well-structured tannic backbone and remarkable aging potential, while Merlot adds roundness and suppleness. Petit Verdot, a bold and powerful grape variety, enhances the blend with spicy and floral notes.
On the palate, the wine captivates with an intense nose of black fruits and cedar, complemented by subtle vanilla and toasted nuances from its barrel aging. It combines finesse and depth, with a long, lingering finish that defines the great wines of the Médoc.
