If you are driving down the main highway from Bordeaux towards Bazas, you can’t help but notice the signs for the historic ‘Chateau de Malle‘. It is one of the many chateaux in the Sauternes wine making region, included in the 1855 classification, but it is so much more than a wine. A visit to this beautiful stately home brings you the history of multiple families in the area, including the famous Lur Saluces family.
The new owners from 2024 are Luc and Clemence Planty, who are incredibly influential locally. If you have heard of this family, they are no strangers to the Sauternes area. Luc Planty comes from a long lineage of winemakers and is active in protecting and promoting Bordeaux white grape varietals. Clemence hails from Normandy and has a hospitality degree with a focus on communications nad marketing. Prior the couple owned Chateau Guiraud, a biodynamic producer with a successful restaurant and great wines. A leader in the area for biodynamic wine production.
Chateau de Malle is named after Jacques de Malle, who was the president of the Parliament in Bordeaux in the 16th century. The manicured French gardens came later in the 18th century, fashioned after Versailles. They offer reprise from the standard vineyard tour. Uniquely, this chateau also straddles two wine appellations, thus producing sweet and dry whites, sparkling whites, and reds! Due to the chateau being abandoned years ago and the vines greatly neglected, the vines are too young (around 15 years of age) to be classified. This is rather exciting for the chateau as they have the opportunity to grow and only improve as their vines reach maturity.
The current structure has foundations much older but is mainly from the late 17th century. Hosting a reception area, dining room, multiple bedrooms and it’s own functioning chapel. The interiors have remained relatively untouched. In fact, the Planty family was very lucky to have purchased the home with the prior families artifacts, furniture, and artwork in place. Three-hundred years ago, when Alexandre Lur Saluces married the daughter of the family, there were some unique changes made to the interior. This includes new stone flooring with multiple colored stones from the Pyrenees. The Lur Saluces family coat of arms on walls, in flooring and on fireplaces, and of course paintings of himself. There is one particularly impressive painting of him with coiffed wig (typical of the era), a pink sash and powerful stance showing his status.
The dining rooms still has the chairs from the 18th century and what is very exciting is the hopes in the future to host ‘era specific’ food and wine pairings. Catered picnics are available for those looking to enjoy a sunny day in the garden or to take reprieve in the renovated orangerie in less optimal times. The Planty family is also hoping to host events, create a historic herb and vegetable garden, including medicinal plants.
All this to say, if you are looking for one chateau to visit, Chateau de Malle would certainly satisfy anyone interesting in wine production in Bordeaux. For the lovers of history and French gardens, there are few other options in the whole of Bordeaux with such a unique space to appease those clients as well. Do book in advance if possible, bookings are open on the website. Open Tuesday-Saturday for visits / Chateau de Malle, 33210 Preignac / Château de Malle : monument historique, grands crus classés / +33(0) 5 56 63 59 33
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Nouveau cru classé de Sauternes pour la famille Planty
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