Chateau Haut-Meneau

About

Owner & winemaker: Jacques-Henri Bravard
Vineyards: 20ha across 44 parcels, all estate-owned
Vineyard management: Certified organic since 2009
Soils: Calcareous clay
Grapes grown: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Annual production: 70,000 bottles

Quick facts:

• The estate has existed since 1825, and was classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 1874. It was a historic stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
• “Taking care of our terroir and showing off its quality has always been our motto!” – Jacques-Henri Bravard

Château Haut-Meneau is a historic estate situated in the heart of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. It was established in the early 19th century, and the current owners, the Bravard family, purchased the property in 1988. In 1998, Jacques-Henri succeeded his father to run the estate.

The vines are planted on a rounded hilltop with shallow calcareous clay soils over limestone bedrock. The soils are well-draining, although the clay holds just enough water for the needs of the vines. White stones in the soil reflect sunlight and help ripen the fruit. About 30% of the estate also has well-draining gravel soils. The average age of the vines is 40 years, and they’re planted to a density of 5500 plants/hectare.

Each of the 44 parcels that make up the estate is worked according to its specific characteristics and needs. At harvest, the grapes are kept separate and vinified in small tanks so that each parcel can best express itself.