Diversity and exclusivity The Bordeaux region is known to be the largest winegrowing area in France, producing more than 700 million bottles of Bordeaux wine annually, including table wines and some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world. Les Vignobles André Lurton S.A.S. located in Grézillac, France, contributes to this highly productive business sector. The old-established family of winegrowers maintains seven vineyards on an area of 600 ha and produces four million bottles of white, rosé and red wine a year.
Pascal Le Faucheur, general director of Les Vignobles André Lurton The history of Les Vignobles André Lurton dates back to 1897 when Léonce Récapet, grandfather of the present owner André Lurton, purchased the historic estate Château Bonnet in Grézillac, France. The surrounding vineyards of Château Bonnet had already been planted by the De Reynier family in the 16th century and were continuously expanded over the following centuries. Mr. Lurton took over the family estate in 1953 at a time when both Château Bonnet and Bordeaux wines were in bad condition. At that point in time, the family maintained vineyards of 30 ha, explains Pascal Le Faucheur, general director of Les Vignobles André Lurton. Mr. Lurton took the opportunity and expanded the growing area to a total of 300 ha. In 1965, he also purchased another estate on the opposite side of the Garonne river, Château La Louvière, which was built in 1792. By means of long-lasting craftsmanship, the property was restored and turned into a magnificent manor house again. In 1991, Château La Louvière became a historic monument and is today considered one of the region s most beautiful estates. Over the past years, several additional purchases and refurbishment regarding both vineyards and estates have taken place. In 1973, for example, Château de Rochemorin was acquired, which was once home of the famous French philosopher and author Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu. At the present time, Les Vignobles André Lurton owns seven estates: Château Bonnet, Château Couhins-Lurton, Château La Louvière, Château de Rochemorin, Château de Cruzeau, Château Grossombre de Saint-Joseph and Château de Barbe Blanche, states the general director. The business itself operates as an S.A.S., a private limited share company with André Lurton as president and his three children on the management board. A brother of the present owner also maintains numerous vineyards under the Business Profile COMPANY NEWS PRODUCTS INTERVIEWS PINBOARD FAcebook LinkeD in Google+ Twitter
name of Lurton and has made a name for himself in recent years. At the moment, Les Vignobles André Lurton employs a team of 200 people at its headquarters in Grézillac and additional locations in Bordeaux. Our vineyards amount to 600 ha, 470 ha of which are dedicated to red wine, says Mr. Le Faucheur. Seven appellations provide a broad portfolio of 27 different white, rosé and red wines. One of Les Vignobles André Lurton s most wellknown and prestigious wines is the Château La Louvière, which is available in white and red varieties. Château La Louvière has long been famous for its white wines, explains the general director. In fact, they were praised by Canadian merchants as early as the 17th century. The elegant La Louvière ranks among the finest dry white wines of the Pessac-Léognan appellation and is marked by the varietal character of Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Furthermore, the family of winegrowers is particularly proud of its white wine Château Couhins-Lurton Cru Classé de Graves. Its fruity characteristics are determined by 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which provide excellent preconditions for years of maturation. In terms of volumes, our Château Bonnet wines are most popular on the market, states Mr. Le Faucheur.
We sell more than one million bottles of the Château Bonnet white wine a year. Approximately 80% of its rosé variety is exported abroad. Apart from its broad range of high-class wines, the winegrowing company generates its annual turnover of 25.5 million EUR by means of further services and offers. Some of its estates, for instance Château La Louvière, are open all year long to the general public and are available for tours, events and wine tastings. Events like general meetings, product launches, galas or anniversary celebrations can be hosted in the 150 m² cloister room of Château La Louvière. At the La Louvière estate, we also have seven guest rooms available, says the general director. They are often used by journalists or participants of events. Concerning its range of white, red and rosé wines, the French company cooperates with several distribution partners on the domestic and foreign markets. We have more than 5,000 customers from all over the world, explains Mr. Le Faucheur. Only a small share of 10% is sold on the farmer s market in Bordeaux. About 50% of our production volumes are distributed on the French market, for example to large supermarket chains, small wine cellars, specialist stores, hotels and restaurants. Les Vignobles André Lurton s most important export markets are found in the USA, Canada, China, Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Norway. The Château Bonnet rosé is particularly popular among Swedish consumers, states the general director. All in all, our export sales amount to eleven million EUR. In terms of distribution, Les Vignobles André Lurton places great emphasis on direct customer contact. Clients often visit the vineyards, cellars and estates to get an accurate impression of the winegrower s products. Constant communication and public relations are highly important in our business, says Mr. Le Faucheur.
By these means, we have become one of the most renowned and largest winegrowing companies in the Bordeaux region. Les Vignobles André Lurton has played an important part in the positive development of this winegrowing area. With Michel Rolland and Denis Dubourdieu, we also have two extremely capable winemaking consultants who work hard to obtain the very best grapes from our various terroirs with the greatest respect for the environment. Speaking of environmental issues, Les Vignobles André Lurton attaches high importance to sustainable measures. Apart from its international ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, the winegrower pays great attention to biodiversity, lighter bottles and packaging material, recycling processes and reduced energy consumption. In the future, this successful strategy will be developed even further. Wine tourism is an essential economic factor in the Bordeaux region, summarizes the general director. It is promoted by the government, municipalities and local winegrowers themselves. In the time to come, it will become important to strengthen this position and invite more tourists and wine connoisseurs to our vineyards and estates. Les Vignobles André Lurton S.A.S. Château Bonnet 33420 Grézillac France +33 557 255858 +33 557 749859 contact-val@andrelurton.com www.andrelurton.com