Château la Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classé, Graves

Château la Mission Haut-Brion is on uniquely stony soil in the Pessac-Léognan appellation close to the city of Bordeaux. It is a Cru Classé in the Graves Classification of 1953. The 22.5 hectare red wine vineyard is planted to cabernet sauvignon (46%), merlot (44%) and cabernet franc (10%). The Château wine is vinified in large (180hl) temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and aged in 100% new French oak for an average of 22 months. Annual production is 6000-7000 dozen. The famous white wine of the Château comes from 3.5 ha planted to Sémillon (62%) and Sauvignon Blanc (38%). Overall planting density is 10,000 vines per hectare (red) and 8000 vines per hectare (white). Since 1983, under the ownership of Domaine Clarence Dillon (which also owns the neighbouring Château Haut-Brion), the entire estate has been renovated – vineyards, winemaking facilities and the Château itself. The property got its name in the 1600s when it was owned by the Catholic Church.