Chateau Sociando Mallet Haut-Medoc

Sociando Mallet takes its name from two previous owners. A nobleman from the Basque region, who was known as Sossiondo founded the estate in 1633. In time, the name of the property was changed to match the phonetic sound to Sociando. The estate was confiscated and sold during the French Revolution. There was a time in the early 1800s when the property was known as Sociando-Lamothe. The large, 85-hectare Sociando Mallet vineyard is planted to 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. This represents a change in plantings. Their best vines are located close to and surrounding the chateau. Previously, the vineyard included a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and less Merlot, as well as a portion of Petit Verdot. As you can see, the Petit Verdot vines have been removed and more Merlot has been planted.

Jean Gautreau discovered Sociando-Mallet in 1969. It was love at first sight, despite the fact that the property was in a sorry state. There were only 5 hectares of vines at the time. Jean Gautreau expanded the vineyard year after year by buying vines from his neighbours. Seeking the best possible quality, he also renovated the estate’s buildings, built a barrel cellar, and gradually improved the choice of grape varieties, matching the appropriate ones to each vineyard plot. Today, the property is comprised of 83 hectares.