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The History and Significance of Château Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion, situated in the commune of Pessac just southwest of Bordeaux's city centre, holds a prominent position as a vineyard within the Pessac-Léognan appellation. It is a remarkable estate, distinguished as the only wine to bear the prestigious titles of both First Growth from the 1855 classification and Classified Growth of the Graves.
A Legendary Terroir
Around 2,000 years ago, the Romans stumbled upon a terrace nestled between two small hills, caressed by two streams. It was here that they first encountered the extraordinary qualities of the "graves" (gravel) composed of tiny quartz pebbles. The concept of terroir began to take shape during the Gallo-Roman era and was later confirmed in Burdigala (Bordeaux) when this very terrace was identified as "Haut-Brion." This discovery gave birth to a legend and introduced the concept of a premier microclimate and soil capable of producing wines of unparalleled excellence.
An Enigmatic Soil
Over the centuries, esteemed individuals such as John Locke and Thomas Jefferson ventured to explore and appreciate this exceptional terroir. They were captivated by the enigma presented before them: how could such a seemingly infertile soil yield such magnificent wines?
The Gravelly Soil of Château Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion's vineyards face Château La Mission Haut-Brion and share the same gravelly terrace, which has proven ideal for cultivating vines. The gravel consists of small pebbles composed of various types of quartz, imbuing the soil with essential qualities for grape cultivation. This gravelly soil, layered over a unique subsoil of clay, sand, limestone, and shelly sand formed during the Tertiary and Quaternary eras, benefits from excellent orientation and natural drainage. It is further enhanced by an extensive network of small watercourses, including the Peugue and the Serpent, tributaries of the Garonne River.
Preserving the Terroir
The estate's commitment to environmental protection has long been intertwined with the preservation of its terroir, a tradition passed down through generations. Careful consideration for the soil's characteristics, minimal intervention, and the avoidance of insecticides are integral to this practice. Château Haut-Brion boasts a 4-hectare wooded area, including a 3.5-hectare park that serves as a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, some of which are protected. The park's vast surface area and variety of habitats contribute to this rich biodiversity. The responsible management of both the wooded areas and vineyards is crucial as they form part of Bordeaux's urban ecological corridors and biodiversity reserves. In recognition of these efforts, the estate has obtained dual certification: High Environmental Value (HEV) since 2018 and ISO 14001 since 2019, within the collective framework of the first association for the Environmental Management System (EMS) of Bordeaux wines.
Experience the Excellence of Château Haut-Brion
Discover the extraordinary wines crafted by Château Haut-Brion and explore the rich history and significance of this esteemed estate. Visit The Reserve Cellar, your premier destination for fine Australian wines, and indulge in the remarkable flavours and heritage of Château Haut-Brion.
