Europe 2013 - Visit at Chateau Haut-Selve, AOC Graves, France

We had been in contact with Denis Lesgourgues over the phone since our arrival at Chateau Peyros. Unfortunately a recent knee kept him in Bordeaux. We agreed to meet at Chateau Haut-Selve, located in Graves- an area mostly known for excellent white wines from Bordeaux. I have been a long fan of these wines, particularly the Chateau Haut-Selve White Bordeaux consisting of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillion and 10% Sauvignon Gris (rare)...their reds are excellent too, especially their Reserve Red. All of their wines are available right here in Indiana.
 

This is one of Bordeaux's newer wineries -- thoughtfully planned out with  the location of the  vineyards chosen after lengthy research about the local terroir. In true fashion of the Lesgourgues Family, we were greeted by an    artfully designed gate and two huge statues of ancient gods flanking the       entrance of the winery,  and statues depicting the 5 senses in the courtyard - my favorite one was the head that represented "smell" - look at his nose!    

Fermentation Tanks

 

Most beautiful barrel room I ever saw

 This winery was built with production in mind. Grapes and juice enters the winery through a small pipe and after fermentation and production the wine it is stored in an immaculate barrel cellar, the  only I have ever seen with a wood ceiling. Denis had hosted a  very large reception in this cellar during the recent VinExpo exhibition. We met the assistant wine maker who had to re-arrange and refill all the barrels that were removed for the event!

The barrel room is organized with the red wine in barrels on the ground floor and all white wine barrels are on the top floor to take advantage of the natural temperature variations.  Art work, of course, even here on display.


We were able to taste the wonderful fresh 2012 Haut-Selve White with great lemon and apricot flavors and just a touch a sweet oak. Also, we enjoyed the Chateau Loumelat 2011 a Cuvee from Cotes de Blaye. This Merlot based Cuvee is from their newest acquisition in Bordeaux after they sold the former Chateau Cadillac property.


Denis Lesgourgues was a wonderful host,  He and his brother Arnaud oversee the empire of the Lesgourgues  family which owns Chateau Peyros, Chateau Laubade and Chateau Haut Selve (along with  their newest wine brands of Chateau LaMouliniere and Chateau Loumelat). This is a wonderful family with a long tradition in the wine and Armagnac business in France.