Michel Dietrich and his wife Isabelle are both children of winemakers. After graduating in Oenology from the University of Bordeaux in 1978 they moved to Clare valley in Australia, where for 6 years Michel was in charge of one of Remy Martin’s vineyards. After this formative experience, they decided the next step was to launch their own business. The big question was where: Australia? Champagne? ? They ended up in Bordeaux because they had fallen in love with the varied and lovely atmosphere, terroir, and grapes of this remarkable region, so in 1989 Michel and Isabelle settled in in the medieval village of Rions in the heart of Premières Côtes de Bordeaux.
In 2017 they handed day to day control of the estate to their daughter Pauline Lapierre, herself an oenology graduate of Supagro Montpellier. Pauline continues the family’s focus on well balanced approachable claret to be enjoyed every day.
Chateau Haut Rian Premier Cotes de Bordeaux is a soft, fruity good value Claret. Michel Dietrich's wines are made up 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, from vines of around 26 years old. After a long cuvaison, the red is aged for 6 months in Nevers oak barriques, 25% of which are new each year. The result is a soft and approachable glass of Claret with supple tannins and a hint of vanilla. Lovely with some grilled meat or fowl.
