Chateau Larrivet Haut-BrionProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a prestigious estate in Pessac-Léognan, known for producing both red and white wines of exceptional quality, complexity, and ageing potential. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Larrivet Haut-Brion is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pessac-Léognan terroir. With a history that dates back to the 19th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a true gem of Bordeaux.

History of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

The history of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion dates back to the 19th century when the estate was first established in the heart of the Graves region. The property has undergone several name changes over the years, including "La Rivette" and "Brion-Larrivet," before finally being named Château Larrivet Haut-Brion in 1929. The estate was acquired by the Gervoson family in 1987, who have since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery, helping to elevate the estate’s reputation for quality.

Under the Gervoson family’s stewardship, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion has flourished, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. The family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pessac-Léognan terroir have helped Château Larrivet Haut-Brion maintain its status as one of the leading estates in the region.

The Terroir of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

The terroir of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 75 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly plateau in Pessac-Léognan, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and limestone. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating both red and white grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.

The red vineyard is planted with 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, while the white vineyard is planted with 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with the red wines offering richness, structure, and aromatic complexity, and the white wines providing freshness, precision, and depth.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Larrivet Haut-Brion to produce wines that are both elegant and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

Winemaking at Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation for the red wines takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, while the white wines are fermented in French oak barrels.

The red wines are aged in French oak barrels for 16 to 18 months, with about 30% new oak used each year, while the white wines are aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, with about 40% new oak. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously.