Haut-Brisson, Chateau
Summary
Château Haut-Brisson is a 16-hectare Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate producing Merlot-dominant wines from diverse terroirs spanning sandy-clay, limestone plateau, and clay-limestone soils across the appellation. The property, acquired by Peter Kwok in 1997 and now part of Vignobles K, has implemented precision viticulture techniques including soil mapping and drone monitoring while embracing sustainable practices under the technical direction of Jean-Christophe Meyrou and winemaker Jérôme Aguirre.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Haut-Brisson is a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru property that was acquired by Hong Kong businessman Peter Kwok in 1997, marking his first vineyard purchase in Bordeaux. The estate, located in the commune of Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens within the Saint-Émilion appellation, represents the beginning of what would become the Vignobles K collection of Bordeaux properties. Under Kwok's direction, the estate underwent significant renovation and expansion through the acquisition of additional parcels in 1999 and 2008.
The property is currently managed by Vignobles K, with technical direction overseen by Jean-Christophe Meyrou as Managing Director. The winemaking team includes Technical Director Jérôme Aguirre, who supervises viticulture and vinification across all Vignobles K properties. This leadership structure has maintained continuity while implementing progressive changes in both vineyard management and cellar practices since the early 2000s.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Haut-Brisson's vineyards span 16 hectares across three distinct terroirs within Saint-Émilion. The primary vineyard area sits on sandy-clay soils in Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, while additional parcels are located on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion and on clay-limestone soils near Château Pavie. This diversity of terroirs contributes complexity to the final wines.
The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot (90%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (8%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%). The vines average 30 years of age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years. Planting density ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 vines per hectare, following traditional Right Bank practices.
The estate produces approximately 40,000 bottles annually of its grand vin, Château Haut-Brisson, and a second wine called La Grave de Haut-Brisson. The wines typically display the rich, plummy characteristics associated with Merlot-dominated Saint-Émilion wines, with structural support from the Cabernet varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
Vineyard management at Château Haut-Brisson follows a plot-by-plot approach, with each parcel harvested separately to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvesting is conducted manually, with double sorting tables employed to select only the highest quality berries. This meticulous selection process represents a cornerstone of the estate's quality-focused philosophy.
In the cellar, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with each plot vinified separately. Malolactic fermentation occurs partially in new oak barrels. The grand vin is aged for 15-18 months in French oak barrels, with 30-40% new oak used annually, depending on the vintage characteristics.
Since 2019, the estate has implemented precision viticulture techniques, including detailed soil mapping and drone monitoring to optimize vineyard management. While not certified organic, the property has reduced chemical interventions and embraced more sustainable practices, including cover cropping between rows to improve soil health and biodiversity. These technical approaches reflect the estate's commitment to expressing the distinctive qualities of its diverse Saint-Émilion terroirs.