The 10 generations of the Henri Bourgeois estate
A true family story
THEHenri Bourgeois estateIt's a true family story spanning 10 generations. It can be found in the town ofChavignolLocated at the foot of the Côte des Monts Damnés, this estate boasts an exceptional and highly varied terroir.Pays de la LoireThe estate underwent a true turning point in 1950 with Henri Bourgeois, who would later give his name to the property. He decided to move away from traditional mixed farming and specialize in viticulture, using the two hectares of vines at his disposal. He was quickly joined by his sons in the 1960s. Together, they acquired new land until the vineyard reached its current size.72 hectares, spread across a mosaic of plots. There are indeed several dozen of them, across the appellationsPouilly-Fumé and SancerreThese inquisitive individuals embarked on a brand new adventure in 2000 with the inauguration of a new estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. As with theHenri Bourgeois estateThe owners run the Marlborough vineyard according to the principle of biodynamics, and have selected two unique grape varieties for their two estates: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
The extreme diversity of the terroir of the Henri Bourgeois estate
A vineyard with an incredible mosaic of plots
The extreme diversity of plots that make up the Henri Bourgeois estate offers a wide variety of different terroirs, resulting in wines that are incredibly distinct from one another. Indeed, depending on the plot, the vineyard rests on Kimmeridgian marl, which imparts intense flavors of exotic fruits and superb structure. Flint is also present, offering wines of great finesse and elegance, with empyreumatic and mineral notes. Finally, the calcareous clay found in certain plots allows for the production of fresh and fruity cuvées.
The decision was made to select only two grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, which illustrate all the nuances and different flavors of the terroirs of the Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre appellations. Sauvignon Blanc brings a natural acidity to the wines and gives them a color ranging from pale gold to straw yellow. These wines also offer taut, floral and fruity aromas with a beautiful minerality. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a more delicate grape variety that brings elegant ripeness to the tannins, a magnificent deep ruby color, and aromas of red fruits (redcurrants, blackberries, and Morello cherries).
The vines, averaging 40 years old, are planted mainly with Sauvignon Blanc, which represents approximately 80% of the production of the Henri Bourgeois estate.
The Henri Bourgeois estate and biodynamic farming
Goldsmith's expertise
The philosophy of the owners of Domaine Henri Bourgeois is not only to preserve the environment but also to work with extreme precision, both in the vineyard and during winemaking. Furthermore, although they are not certified, they manage their vineyard according to biodynamic principles. They therefore tend the vines like goldsmiths, ensuring the optimal development of the vines.
The harvest takes place when the grapes are perfectly ripe, and they are then sent to a gravity-flow winery. They were pioneers in the Sancerre appellation in adopting this technique, which allows the grapes to express their full range of aromas while respecting the fruit's integrity. Their goal is thus achieved: to extract the purest expression of the terroir in the service of great wines.
Indeed, the six wines produced each vintage by Domaine Henri Bourgeois offer fruity and luscious wines distinguished by their freshness and pronounced minerality. Among the various wines offered, you will find a Sancerre in white, red, and rosé, a Pouilly-Fumé, a Quincy (from the Centre-Loire region), and finally, a Petit Bourgeois. There's something for everyone; you're sure to find the perfect wine to delight your palate.
