Château Mauvinon

The estate

Mauvinon lies at Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, south of the town of Saint-Émilion, and its 6.5 hectares carry the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The Tribaudeau family has held the vineyard since 1962, and Brigitte Tribaudeau runs it now with her children. They have farmed it organically since 2017, certified in 2020, and biodynamically as well; they pick entirely by hand and make and age the wines without sulfur, to infuse rather than extract and keep the fruit. The family lives in 19th-century buildings that also hold the cellar, and has made the place a refuge for birds, with a roof terrace, Le Nichoir, built for welcoming and watching them.

The vines grow on clay and limestone, 66% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 years old on average. The wine ferments in stainless steel and ages 50% in vat, 25% in new barrels and 25% in older ones, about 40,000 bottles a year. The 2018, which I tasted in April 2024, was dark purple and fruity, with delicate notes of blackberries and cherries, an easy wine to drink now; the 2020, in January 2025, was drinking well, with youthful, rich fruit and savory notes. Beside the Grand Cru the family makes La Familia Mauvinon, in the Bordeaux and Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellations, and Alba Mauvinon in red, white and rosé.

At a glance

Appellation

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Commune

Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens

Classification

No classification; not in the list of 2022

Owners

The Tribaudeau family, since 1962

Direction

Brigitte Tribaudeau, with her children

Vineyard

6.5 hectares; vines 30 years old on average

Ground

Clay and limestone

Grapes

Merlot 66%, Cabernet Franc 26%, Cabernet Sauvignon 8%

Farming

Organic since 2017, certified in 2020; biodynamic; picked entirely by hand

Cellar

Stainless steel; aged 50% in vat, 25% in new barrels, 25% in older ones; no sulfur added

Production

About 40,000 bottles a year

Wines

Château Mauvinon; La Familia Mauvinon; Alba Mauvinon, red, white and rosé

Sources: Château Mauvinon, the estate · Château Mauvinon, the family · Château Mauvinon, our values · Château Mauvinon, Alba Mauvinon · Château Mauvinon, La Familia Mauvinon · Conseil des Vins de Saint-Émilion, Château Mauvinon · Guto Assumpção on Instagram, Château Mauvinon 2018, April 17, 2024 · Guto Assumpção on Instagram, a tasting of 3 wines, January 20, 2025