Haut Brion Pessac Leognan 1er Grand Cru Classè 2017

Château Haut-Brion: A Legendary Bordeaux Wine Estate

Introduction
Château Haut-Brion is one of the most prestigious and historically significant wine estates in Bordeaux. Located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves region, this estate is renowned for producing exceptional red and white wines known for their elegance, complexity, and unparalleled aging potential. As one of the original First Growths in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Haut-Brion has long been celebrated for its ability to craft wines that stand the test of time.

History
The history of Château Haut-Brion dates back to the early 16th century, making it one of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux. Its rise to prominence was cemented in 1855 when it was classified as a Premier Cru, a recognition that solidified its reputation for excellence. Over the years, Haut-Brion has remained a symbol of quality, producing wines that are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs.

Terroir and Grape Varieties
Château Haut-Brion’s vineyards are located on gravelly soils, ideal for growing high-quality grapes. The estate is most famous for its red wines, which are typically blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The white wine is made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The unique terroir, combined with these grape varieties, results in wines that are rich, refined, and full of character.

Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking process at Château Haut-Brion follows a traditional yet meticulous approach, ensuring the preservation of the fruit’s natural characteristics. Grapes are handpicked, and the wines are aged in French oak barrels, contributing to the complexity and structure of the final product. The red wines undergo an extended aging process, allowing them to develop their full potential over time.

Tasting Notes
Château Haut-Brion wines are known for their deep color, remarkable balance, and complex aromas. The red wines typically feature notes of dark fruit, tobacco, leather, and earthy undertones. On the palate, they are full-bodied, with smooth tannins and a long, harmonious finish. The white wines offer a complex bouquet of citrus, honey, and a slight minerality, showing both richness and elegance.

Food Pairings
Due to their complexity, Haut-Brion wines pair beautifully with a wide range of fine dishes, including:

• Grilled meats (lamb, beef)

• Game (venison, pheasant)

• Aged cheeses (Comté, Gruyère)

• Rich, flavorful dishes (coq au vin, duck confit)

Serving Temperature
To fully appreciate its nuances, serve Château Haut-Brion at 16–18°C (60–64°F). The red wines benefit from decanting for 1–2 hours, while the white wines should be served slightly chilled.

Alcohol Content
The red wines of Château Haut-Brion typically have an alcohol content of around 13.5–14%, while the white wines usually range between 12.5–13%.

Conclusion
Château Haut-Brion remains a symbol of Bordeaux’s rich winemaking history. With its exceptional terroir, expert craftsmanship, and wines that age beautifully, it continues to be one of the world’s most revered wine estates. For collectors and wine lovers, a bottle of Haut-Brion is an investment in quality and heritage.

See all products of Haut Brion, La Selezione Tre Archi

Pessac, Bordeaux

When we talk about Chateau Haut Brion we are talking about legends, the only estate to boast the distinction between Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855 and Cru Classé de Graves.

The history of the company is crazy with almost 500 years of history behind it.

The first real owner was Jean de Pontac, who received part of the lands of the Seigneurie de Haut-Brion as a dowry following his marriage to Jeanne de Bellon in 1525. In 1533 he purchased the entire property and in 1549 the construction of the Chateau began today.

Over the centuries, many noble families followed one another and the fame of Haut Brion wines grew dramatically.

The definitive turning point came in 1935 when Clarence Dillon, a New York banker with a passion for wine, did not take over the entire property. With him began the modernization of the entire structure which would continue with his niece Joan Dillon, who took over in 1975, and her husband the Duke of Mouchy.

Now in the saddle is Prince Robert of Luxembourg who completes the structure with certified sustainable materials, given his great attention to the environment, which as we will see will be reflected in his masterpieces.

Haut Brion is a Grand Cru Classè according to the prestigious classification of 19855 and is in the company of Château Margaux, Lafite and Latour.

The terroir is incredible thanks to a mild climate and oceanic influences as well as those of the nearby Landes forest. The soil is rich in gravel with a clay, limestone and sandy subsoil dating back 3 million years.

The approach to viticulture is absolutely natural, systemic chemistry is repudiated and human intervention is limited. The attention to clean production is rewarded with the 2018 HVE and 2019 ISO certifications