Château La Gaffelière

The origins of La Gaffelière date back to a Gallo-Roman villa and later a medieval leper colony, its name derived from “gaffet,” meaning leper. The Malet-Roquefort family established the estate in the 17th century, making it one of Bordeaux’s longest-standing family-owned properties. Today, the château’s south-facing vineyards benefit from Saint-Émilion’s unique microclimate: more continental than the Médoc, with limestone plateaus and clay-limestone slopes that favour Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Archaeological evidence and centuries of cultivation underscore a singular truth—this land has been destined for vines for millennia.

La Gaffelière’s 22 hectares are planted predominantly to Merlot (around 75%) with Cabernet Franc completing the blend. Vines average 35 years of age, and farming follows sustainable practices, including cover crops, leaf removal, and hand harvesting into small crates. Grapes undergo optical sorting before vinification in custom stainless-steel tanks shaped like inverted cones, which allows for gentle extraction. Malolactic fermentation occurs in both tanks and barrels, and maturation lasts 14–16 months in French oak, with approximately 50–60% of the wood being new. This meticulous approach, guided by consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt since 2004, has restored La Gaffelière to its rightful place among Saint-Émilion’s elite, producing wines of purity, finesse, and remarkable ageing potential.