Clos de May
Le Clos de May is a confidential vineyard, whose limited production makes it an insider’s wine, sought after by lovers of great Bordeaux. Its uniqueness lies in its 100% Merlot varietal, a bold choice that enhances the finesse and elegance of this grape on Garonne gravel and blue clay soils. Heir to a centuries-old history and vinified with the expertise of Château Maucamps, this Cru Bourgeois stands out for its purity and unique expression of the Médoc terroir.
History
The history of Clos de May dates back to the late 19th century, when the vineyard was mentioned under the name “Au Moulin Demey” in the 1874 edition of Cock & Ferret, with a production of 14 barrels. Over the decades, its identity evolved, first becoming Moulin de May before adopting its current name, Clos de May. This discreet estate was recognized as a Cru Bourgeois as early as 1932, a mark of quality and excellence. Today, this vineyard, covering only 1.6 hectares, belongs to the Tessandier family and is carefully vinified at Château Maucamps, thus sharing a heritage of expertise and winemaking tradition.
The Vineyard
Located in Macau in the Médoc, on the doorstep of the Margaux appellation, Clos de May benefits from an exceptional terroir. Its soil, composed of fine Garonne gravel resting on blue clay, provides natural drainage and ideal thermal regulation for grape ripening. This unique micro-terroir, combined with a high planting density of 6,500 vines per hectare, promotes limited and highly qualitative production. The vineyard is planted exclusively with Merlot, giving the wine a distinctive identity and great elegance.
The cultivation approach is based on sustainable viticulture, incorporating the use of weather stations and disease modeling for rigorous vineyard monitoring. Grape ripeness is precisely controlled through both tasting and analytical assessments of each plot. Harvesting is done by hand to preserve the integrity of the fruit and ensure meticulous berry selection. Since 2019, the vineyard has been certified HVE 2 (High Environmental Value), a certification further strengthened in 2021 with the attainment of HVE 3 level, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmentally respectful viticulture.
Winemaking & Aging
Each stage of the vinification process is carried out with the utmost care to reveal all the complexity and finesse of the terroir. A plot selection is performed prior to a meticulous sorting on the table, ensuring that only the best berries are used. After total destemming, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with temperatures maintained around 28°C to encourage optimal extraction of aromas and tannic structure.
Three pump-overs are carried out daily, followed by 1 to 3 rackings depending on intermediate tastings. The maceration is long, allowing the tannins to gradually soften. The wine is then clarified using egg white fining, a traditional method that preserves the wine’s natural balance.
Aging continues for 12 months in French oak barrels, with a partial renewal of 15 to 20% of new oak depending on the vintage. This maturation in fine wood brings the wine depth, aromatic complexity, and a harmonious aging process.
Wine Character
Clos de May stands out with its deep red color and purplish highlights. The nose opens with an intense bouquet of ripe black fruits, enhanced by subtle notes of spice, cocoa, and fine oak. On the palate, the attack is smooth and velvety, giving way to an elegant and perfectly balanced structure. Silky tannins support a beautiful length, marked by flavors of black cherry, plum, and a delicate hint of vanilla.
This wine, both powerful and refined, expresses the full essence of Merlot on its exceptional terroir. It is crafted for graceful aging in the bottle, offering excellent cellaring potential over several years.
