Chateau Haut-Barrail – 7 Centuries of Excellence in Médoc

 

Located in Bégadan in the northernmost section of Médoc in Bordeaux, Chateau Haut Barrail sits on the 5 hectares of calcareous clay soils gently sloping into the right bank of the Gironde River. Now in its 7^th consecutive century producing quality wine on the left bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Haut Barrail was established in 1362. The only remnant of the original property is the windmill that has been restored time and time again over the centuries. The property’s chateau was constructed in the 18^th century and remains well cared for to this day. The current proprietors at Haut Barrail are the Gillet family, headed up by Cyril Gillet; he purchased the land in 1987 and overhauled the winery. Their first vintage was 1995.

 

The land is planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes are destemmed and crushed and then fermented under temperature control for 2-3 weeks. The wine is then pressed and goes through Malolactic Fermentation. The wine sees 80% new French oak for 12-15 months depending on the vintage. The remaining barrels are 1-2 years old. Barrels are changed yearly. The result is an elegant and seductive wine of finesse and great length.

 

 

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