List of products by brand CHATEAU LA GAFFELIERE

Set on the south-facing slopes of Saint-Émilion (Gironde), Château la Gaffelière farms 22 hectares across limestone plateau, clay-limestone and siliceous soils, producing Saint-Émilion Grand Cru rouge. In the hands of the de Malet Roquefort family since 1705, this is one of the Libournais's most enduring estates: over three centuries of unbroken family ownership, a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend shaped by diverse soils, and disciplined yields held to 40 hl/ha under HVE certification. At Halles Quercamps, we selected this château for its terroir integrity, consistent winemaking and the frank, characterful expression it brings to the Saint-Émilion appellation.

Château la Gaffelière stands among the historic reference points of Saint-Émilion. Held by the de Malet Roquefort family since 1705, this 22-hectare château spreads its vines across the most expressive slopes of the appellation, all oriented due south.

Three centuries of family ownership

Few properties in Bordeaux can claim continuity of this order. The de Malet Roquefort family has directed Château la Gaffelière without interruption since 1705 — a span of more than three centuries that has shaped both the style of the wines and the character of the estate. Situated in the commune of Saint-Émilion, in the Gironde, the château was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé B from the very first Saint-Émilion classification in 1955. In 2022, the family chose to withdraw from the classification system entirely; the label now carries simply Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, a decision that reflects confidence in the estate's standing independent of any official ranking.

A mosaic of soils on the southern slopes

The 22 hectares of vines at Château la Gaffelière benefit from one of the more varied soil profiles in the appellation. The plateau is predominantly limestone; the mid-slope transitions to clay-limestone; and the foot of the slope brings siliceous soils into the blend. This diversity, combined with a full south-facing exposure on the coteau, allows the two grape varieties — Merlot and Cabernet Franc — to express distinct facets of the same terroir. The south-facing orientation ensures generous ripening even in cooler vintages, while the limestone and clay components lend structure and freshness to the finished wines.

Responsible viticulture: HVE certification

The château holds Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable vineyard management across all 22 hectares. Yields are deliberately controlled at 40 hl/ha, a figure that prioritises concentration and typicity over volume. This measured approach to production is consistent with the long-term vision that three centuries of family stewardship tend to instil.

The wines of Château la Gaffelière

The château produces exclusively red wine under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The range is built on the classic Libournais pairing of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with the blend varying according to vintage conditions.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru rouge — the principal wine of the estate, combining the roundness of Merlot with the aromatic precision of Cabernet Franc; structured, age-worthy, and firmly rooted in the character of its south-facing coteau.

Why we have selected Château la Gaffelière

At Halles Quercamps, we have listed Château la Gaffelière for three reasons that matter to us as a family merchant. First, the coherence of the terroir: a single, well-defined coteau in the heart of Saint-Émilion, farmed with discipline and purpose. Second, the consistency of the wines across vintages — a quality that comes only from long institutional memory and unhurried winemaking. Third, the integrity of the family's decision to step back from classification in 2022, prioritising the wine itself over the label. We recommend these bottles to confirmed Bordeaux enthusiasts who want a serious Saint-Émilion with genuine depth and a traceable history. At the table, the wines pair well with roast lamb, duck confit, or a well-aged hard cheese.