Clos Haut-Peyraguey

A past steeped in history perpetuated by Bernard Magrez

Clos Haut-Peyraguey is an ancient barony from the Middle Ages that was bought in the 18th century by Monsieur de Pichard, a politician of the time. He contributed to the development of the estate by exploiting ancestral know-how on lands incredibly endowed with a mild soil and climate. Their uniqueness helped make Clos Haut-Peyraguey (formerly Château Peyraguey) a benchmark in the region, as confirmed by the 1855 classification.
Later in the century, the estate was split in two, and Clos Haut-Peyraguey was formed on the higher ground of the Bommes hill. The estate was then handed down from family to family until 2012, when Bernard Magrez, a French businessman and major owner, purchased it. He wished to continue the work of his predecessors, taking Clos Haut-Peyraguey to the next level of excellence.

A terroir like no other

The Clos Haut-Peyraguey vineyard is ideally suited to growing vines, and in particular to making Sauternes. Planted at a very slight altitude, between 50 and 80 meters, it benefits from gravelly-sandy soils that represent the perfect environment for Semillon, Sauternes' emblematic grape variety. Spread over 12 hectares, including 8 in a single block, the vines are pampered by the estate's team, who take great care to practise integrated viticulture. Vine replacement, for example, is carried out progressively, within the rows, rather than in whole parcels. The grapes are treated like kings: after the onset of botrytis, which is often essential for the creation of sweet wines, the plots are harvested by hand in several stages to ensure a precise selection of the best quality, most concentrated berries. Finally, the winemaking process is carried out with respect for the fruit and precision, so that it can reveal its most subtle characteristics. The resulting wines are recognized internationally by the most prestigious wine guides.

Iconic wines

Haut-Peyraguey's wines are often referred to as "Le Sauternes des Initiés". The estate's harvests come in two wines: Clos Haut-Peyraguey and Symphonie de Haut-Peyraguey. The first, with its color ranging from pale to coppery gold, is very expressive with notes of flowers, fresh and exotic fruits and spices such as cinnamon and vanilla. The palate, though fat and silky, is not lacking in freshness and surprises with its balance and length. The second cuvée is more marked by woody flavors and subtle rose notes. The palate is also flawless in terms of harmony. These two wines are ideal with spicy dishes, sweet desserts and blue-veined cheeses.