Vignobles Cailley
Chateau Toulouze
Graves de Vayre
6 hectares

In 1931 a small part of the northern Entre Deux Mers region was given a distinct appellation called Graves de Vayres. These vineyards, in the communes of Vayres and Arvayres are located on the banks of the Dordogne across from the city of Libourne. The appellation takes its name from the unusual concentration of alluvial pebbles found in the soil of the two communes. As one would find on the Dordogne's right bank, the vineyards are planted with a majority of Merlot.

The vineyard at Château Toulouze was created in 1821 and was well reputed but unfortunately not maintained after the phylloxera crisis. It was purchased in the 1980’s by the Cailley family, already vignerons of many generations in a nearby village. The vineyard is planted with 75% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. A great deal of pruning is done to reduce yields and the harvest is gathered manually. No chemicals are used in the vineyard. The Cailley’s continue with the traditional vinification techniques of long macerations and no oak aging. The wine remains in tank for 18 months before bottled unfiltered.

Chateau de Fregent
Bordeaux
8 hectares

Alain Cailley continues the wine producing tradition in his family that dates back to the early 19th century. On August 10, 1812 the Cailley family bought a plot of land for 600 francs that is one of the parcels that comprises Château de Frégent. The Cailleys have expanded their land holdings and have a number of small plots in the Entre-Deux-Mers in and around the village of St. Sulpice et Cameyrac.

In his work, Alain continues the artisan winemaking traditions of his region. The soil is plowed and only organic fertilizer is used. No herbicides are used. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in cement cuves where they are kept and allowed to clarify naturally. A light filtration is done prior to bottling.

Château de Frégent is produced from different vineyard plots which represent the diverse soil types typical of Bordeaux. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc and the wine expresses the warm and savory flavors of the region.

Here is an excerpt from a letter by Alain Cailley, written in 2004 about the inherent contraditions of the AOC regulation system:

The average quality of wines has nevertheless significantly improved these past years. This entirely justified quest for quality has insidiously worked against the very principle....of the A.O.C. (a climate, a soil, the skill of men). In the name of efficiency and to keep things easy and simple, wine production has become highly technical, controlled and managed by oenologists and technicians who have taken over the cellars and tasting committees where the seals of approval are issued.