Château Siffle Merle, a family heritage

The Château Siffle Merle vineyard has been managed by the Cot family for four generations. Following the marriage of Franck Cot’s parents, several terroirs were united to form the Château Siffle Merle. These vines were originally cultivated by the grandparents of the current winemaker, who sold their wines directly to private customers.

What is the story behind the estate?

A family legacy in Bordeaux

Franck Cot grew up among the vines, watching his grandfather plow the land with his horse. The memories of hand-harvesting during his youth instilled in him a deep love and passion for winemaking. Since taking over the estate, Franck Cot has been dedicated to developing the full potential of his vineyard, constantly innovating to create wines that reflect the diversity of his terroir.

Where is the vineyard located and how is it farmed?

A vineyard at the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country

Château Siffle Merle spans nearly 32 hectares in the northern part of Bordeaux, with vines under the AOC Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. In this region, the predominantly clay-limestone soils enable the vines to produce structured wines in the classic Bordeaux tradition.

The château operates in harmony with the surrounding nature; when the blackbirds begin to peck at the grapes, it signals the start of the harvest. Passionate about his terroir, Franck Cot is committed to farming his vines in a more environmentally friendly manner. Château Siffle Merle is certified for High Environmental Value (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and Terra Vitis. The estate is also in the process of converting to organic farming, with its first organic wines set to be released in 2024.

At Château Siffle Merle, the bond between the vine and the human is inseparable. Franck Cot aims to enhance environmental protection and develop wines from grape varieties that are more resistant to rising temperatures, adapting to climate change.

What wines does the estate produce?

Award-winning wines

The château’s motto, "The diversity of our terroirs makes the richness of our wine," is reflected in all the cuvées offered by the estate. Château Siffle Merle presents a fine range of red, white, and rosé wines under the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux and Bordeaux appellations.

Most of the wines are crafted from the region’s signature grape varieties: Merlot and Sauvignon. These high-quality wines have been repeatedly recognized by the Guide Hachette and the Guide Gilbert & Gaillard, a testament to the exceptional work of the winemaker.

The château offers a variety of wines suitable for all occasions and celebrations. The current winemaker has a particular fondness for the Mélodie Prestige cuvée. This exceptional wine is a single-varietal Merlot made from 60-year-old vines. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, it is an authentic wine with character, much like the Château Siffle Merle itself.

Frequently asked questions about Château Siffle Merle

Where is Château Siffle Merle located?

Its vineyards sit in the Blayais, on the right bank of the Gironde, across roughly 32 hectares of Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux. The clay and limestone subsoil gives the reds their backbone.

Which grape varieties does the estate grow?

The Cot family leans on Merlot for its reds and Sauvignon for its whites, both classic Bordeaux grapes. The range spans red, white and rosé, across the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux and Bordeaux appellations.

Is Château Siffle Merle farmed organically?

Partly: the vineyard holds High Environmental Value and Terra Vitis certifications while moving through organic conversion. Its first organic cuvées were set for 2024.

Who runs Château Siffle Merle?

Franck Cot leads this vineyard, handed down across four generations. Raised among the rows, he brought together several plots inherited from both sides of his family to shape today's estate.

What is the estate's flagship wine?

Franck Cot is especially fond of the Mélodie Prestige cuvée, a single-varietal Merlot from 60-year-old vines. Twelve months in French oak give it body and length.