“Château Picque Caillou is the perfect Estate for me”
As President of Union Bordeaux-Bègles rugby club, Laurent Marti has taken on a new challenge by buying Château Picque Caillou. With this Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru, he is realising a long-held dream and setting his sights high. Is this another opportunity to aim for the top?
Hello Laurent, why did you decide to buy Château Picque Caillou?
Buying a wine estate was a project I had been mulling over for the past ten years or so. I have visited many Châteaux and I have always been set on investing in Pessac-Léognan. I really like the wines from this appellation, and its proximity to Bordeaux is a huge advantage. For many years, I passed by Picque Caillou, which unfortunately wasn’t up for sale. I thought it was a real shame because it was the perfect property for me… Until the day the file landed on my desk, and I wasted no time!
What drew you to this project?
Several things: first of all, the proximity to Bordeaux. It’s great having such a château right inside the ring road, just 10 minutes from the Chaban-Delmas Stadium and 15 minutes from the city centre. All set within a green oasis surrounded by vineyards. What’s more, I find the place particularly alluring. In spring, when you enter the estate, it’s a real feast for the eyes. I love the charm and elegance of the building.
I hear the name Picque Caillou resonates with your personal history?
Absolutely – the Piquecailloux sports field in Bergerac, where I used to train when I was younger and played rugby for the USB (Union Sportive de Bergerac), has the same name as the Château. I thought it was a nice touch.
Have you always been interested in wine?
It’s an interesting story. My father has always loved good wine, which, paradoxically, was not the case for me. For a long time, I didn’t enjoy wine, and it almost made me unhappy. I think I had a psychological breakthrough when I became President of the UBB. I was nearly 40 and I thought to myself: “You can’t be president of a rugby club in Bordeaux and not drink wine!”
Are there any moments linked to Bordeaux Grands Crus that have left a lasting impression on you?
I have many memories, but I’ll mention one in particular: the first fine Bordeaux wine I ever drank was with Vincent Gerbaud, a friend of mine who runs a restaurant in Arcachon Bay. He invited me to taste a 2000 Château Angélus, which I have fond memories of.
Are there any shared values between rugby and wine?
Honestly, there are many. Rugby and wine are both lessons in humility. You will always come across people who are better than you. Both teach the value of hard work. It takes a year of effort to achieve a result, whether that’s winning a rugby title or producing a fine wine. In fact, quite a few people from the world of rugby are also involved in the wine industry. I’m thinking in particular of Rémi Lamerat, Gérard Bertrand and Jacky Lorenzetti.
What are your ambitions and vision for the Château?
C’est important pour moi de signaler que j’ai recruté deux personnes de très grande qualité qui vont m’accompagner au quotidien sur ce projet. Peggy Plouhinec qui est une Directrice Générale passionnée et Stéphane Dief, qui a démarré avec deux rangs de vigne au fin fond du Médoc à Clos Manou et fait aujourd’hui un superbe vin unanimement reconnu par la profession. Comme son fils reprend la Propriété, il peut me consacrer du temps. C’est lui qui s’occupe de toute la production et du suivi des vignes à Picque Caillou. Ensemble, on va essayer de perpétuer le bon travail fait par la famille Calvet et y mettre notre touche. Nous cherchons à améliorer les rendements et à aller encore plus loin dans la qualité du vin. Par ailleurs, nous avons prévu de rénover la propriété et d’agrandir le chai à barriques.
If the UBB keeps its title in the European Cup or wins the Top 14, which Vintage of Picque Caillou will you be opening?
I’m sure I’ll be opening several! But my favourite vintage is the 2009. I am particularly fond of it; unfortunately, there aren’t many left.
