Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

Identity

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a winegrowing estate located in Léognan, in the Gironde. It is owned by the Gervoson family. Charlotte Mignon, who joined as cellar master in 2020, has served as managing director since 2025. François Godichon is the estate manager and Stéphane Derenoncourt acts as consultant oenologist.

History and philosophy

The estate's history dates back to the 17th or 18th century, when it was known as Château de Canolle. Over time, the property went through several name changes, notably La Rivette and later Brion-Larrivet. In 1874, under the ownership of Ernest Laurent, the estate was renamed Château Haut-Brion Larrivet. In 1893, the Conseil family, Bordeaux shipowners, acquired the property and expanded the vineyard to 50 hectares. The estate was distinguished as a "cru exceptionnel" of the Graves in the 1898 Féret guide. In 1929, it adopted the name Larrivet Haut-Brion. From 1940 to 1987, Jacques Guillemaud and his heirs owned the estate. In 1987, the Gervoson family purchased the property and undertook extensive renovations, notably with guidance from consultant Michel Rolland. A comprehensive soil study of the vineyard was carried out in 2008. The estate committed to the "Vignoble du Futur" project and was awarded a Best Of Wine Tourism d’Or in 2020. The estate holds HVE certification.

Appellations

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion produces wines under the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

Practical information

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located at 84 Avenue de Cadaujac, 33850 Léognan. Telephone: +33 (0)5 56 64 75 51; email: secretariat@larrivethautbrion.fr.

The estate boutique is open Tuesday to Saturday. Opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and 12:00 to 20:00 on Thursdays and Fridays. Tours and tastings are available by appointment, including cycling tours of the "vineyard of the future" plot and cellar visits. The estate is wheelchair accessible, and tours can be conducted in French, English, and Spanish. Wine purchases can be made at the property and via mail order.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The vineyard of Château Larrivet Haut-Brion covers a planted area of 69 hectares. The soils feature deep gravel in a sandy matrix over a clay subsoil, set across naturally drained ridges. The average age of the red vines is 30 years and 25 years for the white vines. The planting density is 7,700 vines per hectare. Harvesting is carried out both manually in small crates and mechanically.

Grape varieties

• Red: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
• White: 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sémillon

Flagship cuvées

The estate produces both red and white wines.

Red wines

The red grand vin is Château Larrivet Haut-Brion. The estate also produces Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut-Brion and Les Hauts de Larrivet Haut-Brion, alongside Domaine de Larrivet and the special cuvée PULSE.

White wines

The white grand vin is Château Larrivet Haut-Brion. The estate also offers Les Demoiselles de Larrivet Haut-Brion, Les Hauts de Larrivet, and Domaine de Larrivet.

Vinification and ageing

Red wines

Vinification of the red wines is carried out plot-by-plot in small temperature-controlled concrete vats, using gravity-fed filling and regular punch-downs. Maceration lasts 4 to 5 weeks. Ageing lasts 14 to 18 months in a variety of vessels: one-third new oak barrels, two-thirds one- and two-wine barrels, amphorae, foudres, and concrete eggs. Merlot destined for the second wines is aged in Tuscan terracotta jars.

White wines

Vinification of the white wines takes place 50% in new French oak barrels, 20% in concrete eggs, and 30% in small 25-hectolitre wooden vats. Ageing lasts 10 to 11 months with regular lees stirring.