Château Haut Selve
A young AOC Graves property where wine and art are just one.
Château Haut Selve is a property that is part of the Lesgourgues vineyards. In effect Château Haut Selve (Graves) belongs to the Lesgourgues family as well as five other properties: Château Peyros (Madiran), Château Cadillac (Bordeaux Supérieur) , Château Le Bonnat (Graves) , Chateau Laubade (Armagnac) .
The meeting between the Lesgourges family and the vine is in 1974 when the grandfather of Arnaud Lesgourgues discovered the Château Laubade (Armagnac). Between an exceptional terroir, and majestic building steeped in history, everything came together for Maurice Lesgourgues (grandfather) to succumb to the call of the vine. Since then, the Lesgourgues family has acquired other properties but it is still working with passion. Today the properties are not directed by Arnaud and Denis Lesgourgues, but by the youngerl son Maurice Lesgourgues .
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Château Haut Selves (Graves) is a young property of 50 hectares created ex nihilo in 1991. At this time, the family owned a small property in the Fronsac´s area. Due to some few reasons, the Lesgourgues family sold the property and began looking for a property in Bordeaux. After having identified the land for what would become the vineyards of Chateau Haut Selve, they decided to clear the property and to plant vines. In fact just some years ago, the land was still covered by a forest. A great advantage is that it is a virgin soil/terroir free of any chemical treatment. This situation also allowed the creation of maps of the property, in order to plant the suitable varieties.
For the story the property has not been a forest. In fact in the 19th century this place was already a vineyard. However, the vineyards were destroyed by the phylloxera crisis in 1870 and then abandoned, becoming a forest.
At the construction time of the buildings of Château Haut Selve, in 1995, a dilemma arised in the Lesgourgues family: opting for a 18th/19th century neo-classical style building or choose to build in a contemporary art style.
After thinking and being lovers of contemporary art, they decided to opt for the latter. After all “every century was built with the style of his time. It makes more sense to build in a contemporary style” (Arnaud Lesgourgues). They therefore ask Sylvain Dubuisson, a renowned architect and designer , draw buildings. The property also obtains a winery that still is one of the most modern and one of the most practical of the Graves area. Art is everywhere (see story) even in the barrel cellars or in the winemaking you will discover artworks (sculpture, games outlook …)
Where does the name of Château Haut Selve come from?
” Selve” comes simply from the name of the village where the property is located, the village of Saint Selve . However, it was also chosen because it fits perfectly with this property. In «selve» from the Latin “silva” meaning “forest” and knowing that the property was there a few years the forest you can see why this name was chosen effect. On the “Haut” (high) it is due to the geographical position of the property. It is located on the heights of Saint Selve.
Meeting over a glass of wine with Arnaud Lesgourgues, owner of Château Haut Selve.
«It was always pretty obvious to me that I would follow the family footsteps by working for one of the properties. I have always been immersed in the world of wine. «After doing a business school in Bordeaux, Arnaud Lesgourgues part in Dijon for a Master in wine oenology. At the end of the school to gain experience and see what was happening in different vineyards, it conducts courses in various properties, including abroad. Today he and his brother are working together to develop a family vineyard while respecting the family motto: “Tradition and Innovation. Not new things but in different ways”
What can recognize the wines of Château Haut Selve in a tasting? (I mean what the Lesgourgues family look for while they make their wine?)
“Regarding our wines, we are willing to do something good for ourselves. It would have been easy to call a great winemaker, but we have chosen not to do so. Especially because we want a wine greater than the local winemaking (terroir).” (Arnaud Lesgourgues )
Regarding the white “what we are looking for white wines is the tension, acidity and freshness. But also aromas that are often found in the white of the property, aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruit notes due to Sauvignon Gris. The woodland is not too strong” (Arnaud Lesgourgues )
Regarding the red “Fairly classic red wines in the Bordeaux style, balanced, not too powerful. Good maturity but not on maturity.” (Arnaud Lesgourgues)
Side story : Château Haut Selve and art
The link between art and Château Haut Selve did not stop with the building. By visiting the property you will find many works of art, starting with a majestic portal designed by the sculptor Vincent Barré. Each year the Lesgourgues family acquires a new work of art. You will see including “L’if qui pleur” (three that crying) Bernard Pagès. This sculpture of the roots of tree red blood was performed after the fall of multi trees during the storm of 1999 and illustrates beautifully the hallmarks of this property “tradition , innovation and beauty.”
The latest example of a work of art exposed in this property, five sculptures of land “the five senses ” performed by Juan Bordes and standing proudly at the entrance of the cellars . Just as a reminder to the visitors of what awaits inside. Of course I would not only advise you to go to the property to discover the work of this vineyard, namely the wine, but also all the works of art that are exhibited.
Thanks to Arnaud Lesgourgues for his welcoming.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
Château Haut Selve
+33(0)5.57.94.09.20
3 Chemin Du Port
33650 Saint Selve
