Château Haut-Bergeron
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Château Haut-Bergeron, a family winegrowing estate in Preignac since 1820, produces wines in the Sauternes, Graves, Barsac, and Graves Supérieures appellations. Certified HVE, it is renowned for its barrel-aged sweet white wines.
Identity
Château Haut-Bergeron is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Preignac. It is owned by the Lamothe family, currently represented by Patrick and Hervé Lamothe, who constitute the eighth generation of winegrowers leading the estate.
History and Philosophy
The Lamothe family's presence as winegrowers in Sauternes has been documented since 1820, the year they acquired the estate. However, the earliest written records attesting to the existence of Château Haut-Bergeron date back to 1756.
The estate has distinguished itself on numerous occasions through its accolades, earning a total of 118 medals since 1964, including 68 Gold medals. In 2005, Robert Lamothe was honoured with the title of Commandeur du Mérite Agricole. Château Haut-Bergeron is committed to sustainable viticulture, confirmed by its Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification.
The Appellations
The estate's parcels are distributed across several appellations. There are 37 hectares of vines in the Sauternes appellation, located in the communes of Sauternes, Bommes, and Preignac. Château Haut-Bergeron also produces wines in the Barsac, Graves, and Graves Supérieures appellations, with 12 hectares dedicated to Graves.
Winemaking and Ageing
Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand for the production of the wines. Ageing takes place in traditional Bordeaux barrels.
Practical Information
Château Haut-Bergeron is situated at 427 Route du Haire, 33210 Preignac. The cellar door is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Visitors are welcome year-round for a tour of the cellars and a wine tasting. The discovery tour and tasting of three wines are complimentary without an appointment. The estate accommodates groups of up to 50 people and offers cellar door sales as well as shipping. Spoken languages are French and English. Wi-Fi is available, and accepted payment methods include debit/credit cards, bank cheques, and cash. Pets are not permitted.
For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 5 56 63 24 76 or by email at info@chateauhautbergeron.com or haut-bergeron@wanadoo.fr.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Haut-Bergeron located and who owns it?
- Château Haut-Bergeron is located in the commune of Preignac. It is owned by the Lamothe family, currently represented by Patrick and Hervé Lamothe, who form the eighth generation of winegrowers leading this historic winegrowing estate. The Lamothe family's history in Sauternes dates back to 1820.
- What are the appellations and vineyard size of Château Haut-Bergeron?
- Château Haut-Bergeron covers an area of 49 hectares. Its parcels are spread across several appellations: Sauternes (37 hectares), Barsac, Graves, and Graves Supérieures (12 hectares dedicated to Graves). The average vine age is 40 years, and the estate cultivates grape varieties well suited to these diverse terroirs.
- Which grape varieties are grown and what certifications does the estate hold?
- For the sweet white wines, the grape varieties planted are 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon blanc. For the red wines, the estate grows 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc or Cabernet-Sauvignon. Château Haut-Bergeron is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), reflecting its commitment to environmentally sound practices.
- Does Château Haut-Bergeron welcome visitors for tastings?
- Yes, Château Haut-Bergeron welcomes visitors throughout the year, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A discovery tour of the cellars and a tasting of three wines are offered free of charge without an appointment. The estate can accommodate groups of up to 50 people and provides cellar door sales and delivery services.
The Vineyard (Terroir)
The Château Haut-Bergeron vineyard extends across a total surface area of 49 hectares. The average age of the vines is 40 years. The grape variety blend consists of 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon blanc for the sweet white wines. The estate also grows red grape varieties: 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc or Cabernet-Sauvignon. A 60-are parcel, acquired in 1990, is situated close to Château d’Yquem, and the estate has previously exchanged parcels with the latter.
Flagship Cuvées
Château Haut-Bergeron is best known for its sweet white wines, distinguished by a style that combines freshness and concentration. These wines are crafted to offer an ageing potential ranging from 5 to 8 years. A special cuvée named “vieilles dames” was launched in 1996, produced from century-old vines composed of 100% Sémillon.
- Appellations
- Sauternes, Barsac, Graves, Graves Supérieures
- Commune
- Preignac
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Owner
- Famille Lamothe (Patrick et Hervé Lamothe)
- Technical direction
- Henri Boyer
- Surface area
- 49 ha
- Certifications
- HVE
- Grape varieties
- Sémillon 80%, Sauvignon Blanc 20%, Merlot 60%, Cabernet Franc 40%, Cabernet-Sauvignon 40%
Practical information
- Address
- 427 route du haire, 33210 Preignac
- Phone
- 05 56 63 24 76
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Opening hours
- du lundi au vendredi, de 9h00 à 12h00 et de 14h00 à 17h00
- Visits
- Accueil toute l'année pour découverte des chais et dégustation des vins.