Clos des Fous

Clos des Fous is a Chilean producer built on a deliberate rejection of convention. Four winemakers—Pedro Parra, François Massoc, Paco Leyton, and Albert Cussen—source grapes from the coldest, most extreme corners of Chile to craft expressive cool-climate wines with structure and minerality. Their name pays homage to twelve years spent studying in Burgundy, and their willingness to cross traditional vineyard boundaries to prove that Chile's southern regions can produce serious, age-worthy wines. If you want Chilean Chardonnay and Cabernet that tastes nothing like the fruit-forward stereotype, this is where to look.

About Clos des Fous

The story of Clos des Fous begins with a simple observation: Chile's best wines didn't have to come from its warmest valleys. Pedro Parra, the group's viticulturist, and winemakers François Massoc and Paco Leyton spent over a decade in Burgundy absorbing the principles of cool-climate viticulture and mineral-driven winemaking. When they returned to Chile, they applied those lessons in unconventional places. Their Chardonnay 'Locura 1' comes from Malleco in the southernmost wine-growing sub-regions of Chile—territory once dismissed as too cold for quality wine. Today, the region's sandy and rocky soils and cold conditions attract producers seeking steely acidity and expressive character.

The 'Grillos Cantores' Cabernet Sauvignon draws from a single vineyard positioned in Alto Cachapoal, mere kilometres from the eastern slopes of the Andes. Volcanic rocks and decaying granite compose the soil here, lending minerality to the wine while its structure benefits from supple tannins and bracing acidity—the combination that defines its appeal. But Clos des Fous earns its 'crazy' reputation through its red blends. 'Cauquenina' and 'Pour Ma Gueule' are deliberately fluid, changing vintage to vintage with varying proportions of País, Carmenère, Cinsault, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and Carignan. 'Cauquenina' carries 20% new oak for added complexity; 'Pour Ma Gueule' uses no new oak and is made for immediate drinking. This flexibility reflects a philosophy: let the vineyard and the vintage speak, not the winemaker's hand.

Clos des Fous Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2024 Locura 1 Malleco Valley Chardonnay (91 points), a white wine that carries tropical notes and balance without the buttery heaviness of warmer-region Chardonnay. The 2020 Grillos Cantores Alto Cachapoal Cabernet Sauvignon (91 points, Descorchados 93) delivers the mineral, structured wine that justifies their Burgundian obsession—drink this alongside mature Bordeaux and feel confident.

And if you want to see how far south Clos des Fous will venture, the 2019 Arenaria Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir (93 points, Tim Atkin 95) proves they can handle cool-climate Pinot with poise and perfume. Each wine rewards the drinker willing to abandon conventional ideas about where Chilean quality lives.

Food Pairing

The Chardonnay pairs with roasted fish, butter-poached lobster, or creamy chicken dishes where acidity cuts through richness. The Cabernet suits grilled lamb, beef with mushroom sauce, or aged cheddar. The red blends—especially Pour Ma Gueule—work with charcuterie, herb-crusted pork, or tomato-based pasta. Cauquenina's oak influence complements darker game meats and slow-cooked beef stews. The Pinot Noir embraces duck breast, light meat terrines, and earthy root vegetable preparations.

Who are the four founders of Clos des Fous?

Pedro Parra (viticulturist), François Massoc and Paco Leyton (winemakers), and Albert Cussen (business manager). They take the name from their shared 'craziness' crossing traditional Chilean vineyard boundaries to source grapes from extreme southern regions.

Why does Clos des Fous focus on Chile's southern regions?

After studying in Burgundy for twelve years, the founders believed Chile's coldest areas—once thought too southerly for quality wine—could produce expressive, mineral-driven wines with steely acidity, similar to cool-climate European models.

What makes the red blends different each vintage?

Cauquenina and Pour Ma Gueule contain varying proportions of Carignan, Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Cinsault, Carmenère, and País. Cauquenina includes 20% new oak; Pour Ma Gueule uses no new oak and is made for young drinking.

Who makes Clos des Fous wines?

Four winemakers—Pedro Parra, François Massoc, Paco Leyton, and Albert Cussen—founded Clos des Fous in Chile. Parra leads viticulture; Massoc and Leyton spent over a decade in Burgundy before returning to apply cool-climate principles across Chile's southern regions.

What style of wine does Clos des Fous make?

Cool-climate Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and fluid red blends from Chile's coldest valleys. They prioritise mineral-driven character and structure over fruit. The 2024 Locura 1 Chardonnay scored 91 points for tropical notes and balance.

How much does Clos des Fous wine cost?

Clos des Fous wines range between £14.55 and £37.55. Most bottles sit £17–£21, with the premium 2019 Arenaria Pinot Noir at £37.55. Entry point is the 2022 Pour Ma Gueule red at £14.55.