The History of Château Haut Brion
Château Haut-Brion, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation near Bordeaux, is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine estates in France. Founded in the 16th century, it is renowned for its rich history and influence on global viticulture. In 1855, Haut-Brion was awarded the distinction of Premier Grand Cru Classé, uniquely among the classified growths of that time for being situated not in the Médoc, but in Pessac.
A major turning point for Château Haut-Brion came with its acquisition by Clarence Dillon, a member of an influential American family, in 1935. Under Dillon's management, the estate experienced significant modernization for its time by introducing stainless steel vats, while preserving its heritage and authenticity.
Viticulture and Winemaking: The Philosophy of the Estate
The 51-hectare vineyard of Château Haut-Brion is part of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, located in the northern section of the Graves wine region of Bordeaux. Château Haut-Brion holds the unique dual distinction of being a Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855 and a Cru Classé des Graves.
This relentless pursuit of perfection and respect for the terroir has established Château Haut-Brion as a benchmark in the wine world, with each bottle representing exceptional expertise and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The Wines of Château Haut Brion
The terroir of Château Haut-Brion, composed of gravelly soils, imparts a unique profile to its wines, characterized by balanced power and distinctive minerality. The estate primarily cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, producing wines that are dense, complex, and elegant, with outstanding aging potential.
Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Sémillon are combined to create whites that are both intense and aromatic. Like many prestigious Bordeaux châteaux, Haut-Brion offers several cuvées: Château Haut-Brion Rouge, Château Haut-Brion Blanc, as well as Clarence and La Clarté, each presenting a unique expression of the estate's terroir and craftsmanship.
