The origin of Haut-Bailly's prestige today may seem like a distant memory yet its essence remains. With gentleness we ensure that it is preserved, and with forethought we carry it through into the future.
If you must touch, do it gently.
Memory
Château Haut-Bailly’s proud position tells a tale of enduring good fortune, perched atop the gentle slopes of Bordeaux's historic Graves region. Ancient archives prove that from as early as 1461 these lands were already recognised as excellent for the cultivation of vines. Centuries of commitment and unwavering conviction have established Haut-Bailly as a visionary estate, but one which also possesses a wealth of memories.
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Essence
A patchwork of vines spreads across ridges of sandy, gravel-studded soils that sit atop a layer of sandstone. The soils are petrified with the remains of prehistoric fossil shells that descend deep into the earth, offering exceptional drainage and rare minerals. At the heart of it all, a stone’s throw from the chateau building, lies Haut-Bailly’s most precious jewel: an eclectic cohort of ancient vines that each year bestow soulfulness and timeless continuity upon the wine.
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Gentleness
Confidence and respect for the quality of Haut-Bailly's fruit demands gentleness and minimal intervention in the winery to nurture wines of purity, charm and precision. Each subplot is harvested ‘à la carte’ to ensure that early-ripening Merlot and late-ripening Cabernet are picked in their most perfect state. Technology is placed at the service of mother nature to add precision and reduce compromise.
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Forethought
A philosophy of innovation and a desire to push boundaries compels Haut-Bailly to embark on projects that are truly groundbreaking: from
research into key molecules involved in the evolution of wine aromas with ageing to working with experts on the development of more
gentle pruning techniques that respect the sap flow of the vines. Oenologist Gabriel Vialard, Technical Director at Haut-Bailly, drives
progressive change through experimentation while perpetuating the estate’s traditional values. A discreet but efficient artisan, his
hands-on approach to winemaking is tempered by an inclination for reflection and constant re-evaluation.
A long-term
collaboration with Bordeaux University contributes to educating and enabling the next generation of winemakers, while membership of
several research groups has brought tangible results and technological breakthroughs.
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