Les Vignobles André Lurton - 1
Come and discover or rediscover in pictures, the world of Vignobles André Lurton. Browse through the pages, learn the history of the firm s founder, the company s values and strong points, and enjoy a bird s-eye view of our Bordeaux vineyards and our properties thanks to this brochure. CONTENTS + Les Vignobles André Lurton, une culture d exception...page 5 + The story behind a great name...page 7 + Winegrower first and foremost...page 17 + A new momentum...page 23 + The women & the men...page 27 + A unique collection of châteaux in Bordeaux...page 31 + Our commitments...page 47
c u l t u r e d e x c e p t i o n _ Les Vignobles André Lurton is a family-run company of passionate wine-growers and wine-makers who are dedicated to producing exceptional wines from a collection of prestigious Bordeaux appellations: + Entre-Deux-Mers + Bordeaux + Pessac-Léognan + Lussac Saint-Émilion
l u r t o n a f a m i l y o f g r e a t w i n e _ Our corporate history is inseparable from that of a great family of Bordeaux winegrowers, the Lurtons, who have strived for excellence in their Bordeaux wines for decades, as well as in other great terroirs around the world. This family s passion for viticulture goes back a long way and dates back to the 17 th century on the Récapet side. The Lurton family presently owns some 1300 hectares of vines and 27 estates, most of which are classified growths. A family whose name has been synonymous with savoir-faire and audacity in the world of wine for 4 generations.
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t h e s t o r y o f a m a n p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t w i n e g r o w i n g Les Vignobles André Lurton - 9
+ The driving force behind the revolution in the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation André Lurton was literally born in the middle of a vineyard. The grandson of a winegrower, he was probably predestined to do so... He saw the light of day in the middle of the harvest at Château Bonnet, in the heart of the Entre-Deux-Mers which he has not left ever since, and where his firm s corporate headquarters are located. In 1953, André Lurton inherited his first Château from his grandfather the Château Bonnet (only 30 hectares). This is also when took over the work originally undertaken by his grandfather, Léonce Récapet, in 1897. At that time, sweet white wines were produced without any success in the Entre- Deux-Mers region. The I.N.A.O. leaders are then well aware that this production type is not suitable for the soil of the Entre-Deux- Mers appellation. Therefore they approach the field man André Lurton in order to lead a revolution together: new quality standards and production regulations for this A.O.C. The Entre-Deux-Mers appellation now applies exclusively to dry white wines made from a blend of three grape varieties (Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc). Today, amazing white wines are produced in Entre-Deux- Mers and 300 hectares of vines surround the Château Bonnet which has become the head office of the company. 10 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
Château Bonnet Les Vignobles André Lurton - 11
+ Founder of the A.O.C. Pessac-Léognan In the year 1965, purchase of Château La Louvière in Léognan, which marked André Lurton s arrival in the Graves region, the historic cradle of Bordeaux wine. It took fifty years to completely overhaul this estate, whose fine reputation goes back a very long way. André Lurton replanted, modernised, and renovated, making sure to preserve everything worth keeping at this jewel of the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Therefore, he will keep purchasing abandoned vineyards with high potential. It is in the north part of Graves region, a region he felt in love with, that he owns today the biggest number of Châteaux. He also struggled for more than 20 years to create a new A.O.C. 1987, the Pessac-Léognan A.O.C. was born. Even if Pessac-Léognan is a young A.O.C. which accounts for less than 1% of total Bordeaux production, it has quickly gained a good reputation among customers for its excellent value for money. Vignobles André Lurton is now a specialist for aromatic white wines and the most important producer of white wines in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. 12 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
Château La Louvière Les Vignobles André Lurton - 13
+ His most recent acquisition His most recent investment was in partial ownership of Château de Barbe Blanche in 2000. This beautiful 28-hectare vineyard is located in the heart of the Lussac Saint-Émilion appellation, not far from the Gallo- Roman villa of Lucciacus (transformed over the years into " Lussac "), where archaeological digs attest to the region s ancient winegrowing history. Château de Barbe Blanche 14 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ Defending winegrowing As well as managing the family firm, talented winemaker André Lurton is also very involved with many associations that protect and promote winegrowing in Bordeaux. A lifelong commitment... in a few dates : 1948 Founder then President (until 1953) of the Departmental Young Farmers Circle (Gironde - 4000 members). 1965 Vice President of the Syndicat Viticole des Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieur (from 1965 to 1987) 1953 Secretary General and then President of the Syndicat Viticole (Winegrowers Association) of the Entre-Deux-Mers (from 1954 to 1984). 1966 Joined in the year 1966 the Syndicat Viticole des Hautes Graves de Bordeaux and then President from 1974 to 2005.Administrator of CIVB (Bordeaux Wine-Trade Council) and then President of the Commission on the promotion from 1966 to 1986. 1954 Elected to the Gironde department Chamber of Agriculture, where he was Vice-President for 24 years. (from 1958 to 1984). 1973 Member of the Board of Directors of the Fédération des Syndicats des Grands Vins de Bordeaux AOC (in charge of Protection of Terroirs) from 1973 to 2005. 1958 President and founder of the Grézillac Oenological Study & Information Centre from 1958 to 1998. 1987 President and founder of the Syndicat Viticole de Pessac-Léognan, instigator of the eponymous Appellation d Origine Contrôlée, for which he obtained official recognition by the tutelary Ministries in September 1987, after 23 years of arduous negotiation. He will remain President until 2005. Les Vignobles André Lurton - 15
w i n e g r o w e r f i r s t a n d f o r e m o s t _ " I am a dedicated winemaker who has been searching for the best soils and micro-climates in Bordeaux for over fifty years in order to produce outstanding wines. My name on the label is a guarantee of irreproachable quality, recognized around the world. "
We manage every phase of the wine-growing process : w i n e s t h a t c o m e e x c l u s i v e l y f r o m o u r v i n e y a r d s + from raising the young vines in the nursery + to the sales of our bottles + through growing the vines + vinification in our cellars + bottling and storage of the wines at the Château Dedicated professionals ensure the high quality of each bottle. 18 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
t r u e e x p e r t i s e i n b o r d e a u x t e r r o i r What really sets Vignobles André Lurton apart is that the Bordeaux wines they sell come exclusively from their own 630 hectares of vineyards. + Having become experts in understanding the specific characteristics of four Bordeaux viticultural regions the Entre-Deux-Mers, the Graves (including Pessac- Léognan), Margaux and Lussac Saint-Émilion and producing fine wine in each one, André Lurton and his team can claim, after over 60 vintages, true expertise in knowing their terroir, growing their vines, and winemaking. Les Vignobles André Lurton - 19
w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r w i t h c r e a m + Denis Dubourdieu Consulting oenologist for our whites Denis Dubourdieu is all at once a scientist, a vineyard owner and a wine maker. Educated as an agronomist, an Œnology Professor at the University of Bordeaux since 1987, he has concentrated his research studies on yeasts, aromas and colloids. He is considered as one of the top specialist in the winemaking process and the ageing of white wines. Simultaneously, Denis Dubourdieu runs the family vineyards. He is also a consultant to numerous wine producers in France and abroad. The great purity of aromas that marks his style can be detected in his wines. The whites (dry or sweet), with a bursting fruit aroma, are slender and mineral; they combine power and freshness in an infinite youth. 20 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ Michel Rolland Consulting oenologist for our reds Michel Rolland is famous around that world. This eminent oenologist, a native of Libourne (30 km from Bordeaux), spent his childhood on the family wine estate in Pomerol. He shares André Lurton s love for the soil and viticulture. His mentors and role models were Jean and Pascal Ribéreau-Gayon, as well as the talented Emile Peynaud, who was previously a consultant at Château La Louvière! Michel Rolland in 4 key dates : Born in Libourne (Gironde) on 24 December 1947 1971 obtained his degree in oenology 1973 took over the Jean Chevrier oenology laboratory in Libourne 1985 meeting with Robert Parker, when asked by California winegrowers to study ways of maximising quality in their state. This was the beginning of his profession as a consultant, which has taken him all over the world to visit the more than fifty estates he follows. His career has been an exciting and outstanding adventure! o f c o n s u l t i n g o e n o l o g i s t s Les Vignobles André Lurton - 21
" If you want to accomplish something, you need to have self-confidence. But you can only create something truly unique if you place confidence in others. Yes, it is good to be enterprising, but especially with others... At Vignobles André Lurton, everyone works towards a common goal : the production of outstanding wines ".
a n e w m o m e n t u m _ + Determined, audacious, perfectionist, and a visionary André Lurton André Lurton knows how to make the most of terroir and to meet the many challenges involved with producing fine wine. He surrounds himself with other professionals and makes wise use of technological innovations and expertise. He also chose sustainable viticulture out of respect for the environment. The family firm he created has greatly expanded and is now one of the leading winegrowing companies in Bordeaux. The founder (for whom " undertaking projects is what makes life worth living "), has always felt it important to surround himself with men and women enthusiastically focused on one goal: to produce outstanding wines.
General Director : Pascal Le Faucheur Christine Lurton-de Caix + A new management board Having acquired a great deal of experience at the Credit Agricole d Aquitaine (major Banking group in France), Pascal Le Faucheur joined the Vignobles André Lurton team on 1st January 2008 with the objective of perpetuating the success of this family group and strengthening their position in Bordeaux. He gradually built a new Management Board around him. Following a restructuring of the company in March 2012, Credit Agricole Grands Crus participated in providing increased capital to " Les Vignobles André Lurton ", anticipating a long-term relationship. This step helps ensure continuity for the family business in the years to come. + The ambassadress for Châteaux La Louvière and Couhins-Lurton In September 2014, Christine Lurton joined the Grands Crus division of Vignobles André Lurton, created in 2012, as ambassadress for Châteaux La Louvière and Couhins-Lurton in France and around the world. Her first encounter with the demanding standards involved with managing a great growth was the eight years she spent at Château Clos Fourtet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé B in Saint-Emilion, alongside her uncle, Dominique Lurton. In 2005, she was appointed President of the Executive Board of Château Dauzac, a prestigious great growth in the Margaux appellation. She maintained this function until April 2014. Christine will tell you enthusiastically, " There s something magical about making great wine ". She has the same passion for the world of wine as her entire family, and is very motivated to share it with others. 24 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ A few figures + 200 employees + 600 hectares of vines (430 produce red wine) + 10 Châteaux + Representing 6 appellations Pessac-Léognan, Lussac Saint- Emilion, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Entre-Deux-Mers et Graves. + Certified Iso 14 001 (Environmental Management System) at all of the firm s 5 facilities [a step officially recognized by the French "Grenelle 2" law dated 12 July 2010: environmental certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale - level HVE2) from the French Ministry of Agriculture]. + The commercial distribution : 25 million euros for the S.A.S. (simplified joint stock company) Les Vignobles André Lurton t h e c o r p o r a t e v a l u e s Respect for the vine and terroir, respect for tradition, research & innovation, humility, learning, modernity, audacity, commitment, responsability, certification, excellence, loyalty, sharing knowledge. + Present on 5 continents and over 67 countries + 5 000 B. to B. clients + 4 million bottles sold annually : 58 % red. 34 % white 8 % rosé + Breakdown of sales : France : 50 % Export : 50 % Les Vignobles André Lurton - 25
t h e w o m e n & t h e m e n _
+ The technical Team The technical excellence of the women and men of our group is deployed throughout the production process, from the management of the vineyards to wine-making techniques. They combine tradition with the latest innovations, in constant pursuit of quality and an ever-present respect for the environment. + Vincent Cruège Group Winemaking Director / Director of External Relations Vincent working for André Lurton since 1991 was appointed Head Oenologist of the Vignobles André Lurton Group. He is in charge of the whole cellar teams. After having graduated from the Wine-MBA programme at the Bordeaux Business School in 2009, he is also in charge of corporate strategy and communication. + Christian Siutat Director of External Relations Christian is a member of the André Lurton team for more than 20 years now. He is in charge of the whole vineyards and the vine nursery and manage a team of 40 full-time employees. A highly-qualified team (oenologists, engineers, and qualified senior technicians) with experience on several continents and in close touch with university research teams. + Sébastien Ravilly Cellar master of Château de Barbe Blanche Sébastien Ravilly was asked to look after vineyard and cellar management of Barbe Blanche. His favourite saying is: " There is no such thing as a great wine without great grapes ". + Jean Marc Comte Cellar master of Châteaux La Louvière and Couhins-Lurton Jean-Marc does his best in every vintage to produce wines that are not only technically irreproachable, but also true to their terroir, pleasurable and inspiring for every wine lover. 28 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ Isabelle Labaudinière Vineyard manager for Châteaux La Louvière and Couhins-Lurton Isabelle is responsible for the culture of the vineyard, from pruning until harvest, assisted by Christophe Boudon and helped by a wine growing dedicated team. + Olivier Cornu Vineyard manager for Château de Rochemorin Olivier is responsible for the culture of the vineyard, from pruning until harvest, for the Château de Rochemorin. + Laurent Le Dez Cellar master of Château Bonnet Over the years, he and his team have constantly improved quality and contributed to creating new wines, while remaining open to comments from consumers. + Laurent Bouthonnier Cellar master of Château de Rochemorin In the magnificent ultra-modern cellars of Rochemorin, where a wealth of technological innovations, Laurent work towards reflecting the full potential of this great Graves terroir. + Sébastien Cogny Cellar master of Château de Cruzeau At the Château de Cruzeau, Sébastien and his team do their outmost, year after year, to make the best possible wine and, above all, one that reflects the terroir. Les Vignobles André Lurton - 29
a u n i q u e c o l l e c t i o n o f c h â t e a u x i n b o r d e a u x _
Médoc Haut- Médoc Margaux Haut- Médoc Côtes de Blaye Côtes de Bourg Bordeaux Lussac St-Émilion 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Château BONNET Château LA LOUVIÈRE Château COUHINS-LURTON Château de CRUZEAU Château de ROCHEMORIN Château de BARBE BLANCHE Pessac Léognan BORDEAUX 2 3 5 4 Graves & Graves Supérieures St-Émilion 1 Entre-deux- Mers & Bordeaux Côtes de Bordeaux Loupiac Sauternes 32 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ A.O.C ENTRE-DEUX-MERS & BORDEAUX The Entre-Deux-Mers, " between two rivers ", is bounded to the North by the Dordogne, to the South by the Garonne. The clay-covered limestone plateau is particularly well-suited for dry white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. It also produces excellent reds, though only the whites qualify for the Entre-Deux-Mers Appellation, the reds made from primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are classified under the A.O.C. Bordeaux. + A.O.C PESSAC-LÉOGNAN The Pessac-Léognan Appellation, founded by André Lurton from the 1987 vintage, produces both white and red wines. It comprises of 1 400 hectares of exceptional soil, made up of ochre quartz and quartzites, white, red and pinkjasper, agatoids, and flint. This dry and warm soil, with the natural drainage, favors Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the reds and Sauvignon Blanc for the whites. + A.O.C LUSSAC ST-ÉMILION Spread across 1 440 hectares North of Saint-Émilion, the vineyards of Lussac are notable for their varied landscape and the diversity of their terroirs: silt in the valleys, sand and clay or clay-limestone on the slopes and plateau.these welldrained, cold clay soils and perfectly exposed hillsides are very well-suited to Merlot. Les Vignobles André Lurton - 33
e n t r e - d e u x - m e r s c h â t e a u b o n n e t
+ Château Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers History Château Bonnet is located in the commune of Grézillac, in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, about 10 kilometres south of Saint-Émilion. It is situated on clay-chalk slopes, overlooking the Dordogne river valley. The history of the estate dates back to the 16th century. The Château was built in the second half of the 18th century. In 1897, Léonce Récapet, owner of a distillery in Branne and grandfather of André Lurton, bought the estate. He set up residence and launched himself into winemaking. In 1953 André Lurton took over the estate. The Bonnet vineyards were made up of only 30 hectares. For more than 60 years, André Lurton focused his efforts on revitalizing the family vineyards. Today, the challenge seems to have paid off because there are now more than 300 hectares of vines at Château Bonnet. Wines of the property Château Bonnet white Rosé de Bonnet Château Bonnet red Château Bonnet Réserve white Château Bonnet Réserve red Divinus de Château Bonnet red Les Vignobles André Lurton - 35
pessac-léognan c h â t e a u c o u h i n s - l u r t o n
+ Château Couhins-Lurton Cru Classé de Graves in white Pessac-Léognan History Cru Classé de Graves for its white wines, Château Couhins- Lurton has a total of 6 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and 17 hectares of red-wine grapes, mainly Merlot. André Lurton saved the vineyard from being pulled up in the early 1970s. The château, winery buildings, and gardens have now been fully restored. Wines of the property Château Couhins-Lurton white Cru Classé de Graves Château Couhins-Lurton red Les Vignobles André Lurton - 37
pessac-léognan c h â t e a u l a l o u v i è r e
+ Château La Louvière Pessac-Léognan History With seven centuries of history, Château La Louvière is located 14 km south of the city of Bordeaux. André Lurton purchased the estate in 1965, before to set up Pessac-Léognan appellation, which La Louvière belongs to. The estate has been classified as a Historical Monument in 1991. Wines of the property Château La Louvière white Château La Louvière red Les Lions de La Louvière white Les Lions de La Louvière red L de La Louvière white L de La Louvière red Cuvée des Lions de La Louvière white Les Vignobles André Lurton - 39
pessac-léognan château de rochemorin
+ Château de Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan History In the 18th century, Château de Rochemorin belonged to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Second, Baron of Montesquieu. He was very keen on his vineyards and enjoyed acting as an ambassador for Rochemorin wines on his many trips throughout Europe. He loved this wine, which he considered as much his work as his famous " Persian Letters ". André Lurton acquired the 85-hectare estate in 1973. Today, his staff makes high-quality wines that are much appreciated in France and around the world. Wines of the property Château de Rochemorin white Château de Rochemorin red Château Coucheroy white Château Coucheroy red Les Vignobles André Lurton - 41
pessac-léognan château de cruzeau
+ Château de Cruzeau Pessac-Léognan History Nature was particularly generous to Château de Cruzeau, placing the vineyards on a superb gravel rise, with remarkable sun exposure. Such excellent conditions could only produce an elegant wine, perfectly expressing the quality of its outstanding Pessac-Léognan terroir. Wines of the property Château de Cruzeau white Château de Cruzeau red Château de Quantin white Château de Quantin red Les Vignobles André Lurton - 43
lussac saint-émilion château de barbe-blanche
+ Château de Barbe Blanche Lussac Saint-Émilion History Château de Barbe Blanche has 28 hectares of vines in the heart of the the Lussac Saint-Émilion appellation. It is located not far from the Gallo-Roman villa of Lucciacus (transformed over the years into " Lussac "), where archaeological digs attest to the region s ancient winegrowing history. The story goes that Henri de Navarre, future King Henri IV, appreciated the excellent wine of Barbe Blanche. In 2000, Vignobles André Lurton acquired a 50% shareholding. The other half remains in the hands of Mr André Magnon. Wines of the property Château de Barbe Blanche Château Tour de Ségur Château Prieuré Lalande Les Vignobles André Lurton - 45
o u r c o m m i t m e n t s _
+ Quality our first priority André Lurton life time quest is to express the unique terroir and personality of each wine. Our technical team is made of highly-qualified women and men (oenologists, engineers, and qualified senior technicians) all in constant pursuit of quality and an ever-present respect for the environment. Moreover, in order to improve quality, medium range Châteaux take advantage of all improvement made in our Cru Classé. We graft our own vines (200,000 a year), that are used for annual replanting. We own all the equipment that we use. We are pioneer in the use of technological advances (screw caps, automated sorting tables, anaerobic presses.). 48 - Les Vignobles André Lurton
+ We are deeply concerned about environmental protection Our experience of rural life over many years has made us acutely aware of our responsibilities with regard to the environment. Our commitment is thus hardly new, or for show. We have invested considerable time and effort in keeping with this commitment. Our goals are clear, and are achieved in conjunction with our suppliers, our clients, our friends... Certification for sustainable agriculture, ISO standard 14001, as well as an Environmental Management System member, with level 2 High Environmental Value certification. We are proud of the far-reaching, efficient, and necessary actions we have taken in keeping with our convictions. We strongly believe in maintaining sustainable winegrowing in Bordeaux, as well as consumer confidence. Les Vignobles André Lurton - 49
+ A direct relationship We have always cultivated long-term direct relationships with our clients to develop offers tailored for each market and to provide price stability across the entire range of products. + Reliability on the long run Andre Lurton offers the possibility of appropriate volumes to avoid any shortage. Our experience and control of winemaking process allow us to supply high quality wines constantly even during " difficult vintages ". We offer to the market aged wines ready to drink which still have an ageing potential. Regardless of vintages, André Lurton wines are acclaimed for their balance (fruits expression VS oak) and their supple tannins. + Numerous distinctions Every year, our wines win medals at competitions and receive very good ratings from the French and international wine critics. Furthermore, Château Bonnet regularly wins gold medals or prizes for the best in its category (nearly 40 medals* for the past 10 vintages). + A single point of collection For the full range, we offer a centralized logistics function. This combination offers our customers a very direct route to the source of the wine without compromising operational efficiency through a multiplication of suppliers. + Quality partners Offering quality wines for over 60 years, Andre Lurton has built strong partnerships with over 3000 retail shops and restaurants in France but also abroad, with quality and long-term oriented importers/distributors from 60 countries around the world ; all looking for good value wines and sharing with us, the same passion for wines. *gold or silver 50 - Vignobles André Lurton
They trust us Export + Bibendum, Sweden + JW Deutsch Family, US + Total Wine, US + SAQ, Québec + LCBO, Canada + Le Palais du Vin, Belgium + Denner, Switzerland + Ex-cellars, Norway + Jacques Wein Depot, Germany + Mottox, Japan + Grandgle, Xiamen, China + De Long Bao Zhen, Pékin, China + Telford, China + Vera Wines, China + Shanghai Drunk International, China + Ayoung, Korea + Kiljin, Korea + Bordeaux Shippers, Australia Hotels and restaurants in France + Grand Hotel de Bordeaux*****, Bordeaux + Hôtel Burdigala*****, Bordeaux + La Corniche, Le Pyla sur Mer + Hostellerie de Plaisance*, Saint-Emilion + Le St James*, Bouliac + Le Chapon Fin Guide Michelin, Bordeaux + Le Relais de Margaux 4****, Margaux + Restaurant Astrance***, Paris + Four Seasons Hôtel Georges V, Paris + L Hôtel du Collectionneur - Arc de Triomphe*****, Paris + L Arpège Restaurant***, Paris Supermarkets in France + Carrefour + Auchan + E. Leclerc + Intermarché + Casino + Cora + Match Brokers and wine merchants + Les vins de Crus + Œnomédia + Arnaud Courtage + Balaresque + Blanchy & de Lestapis
Les Vignobles André Lurton Château Bonnet - 33420 Grézillac - France +33 (0) 5 57 25 58 58 - +33 (0) 5 57 74 98 59 - andrelurton@andrelurton.com andrelurton.com aggelos.fr - Crédits photos : Studio Deepix et Anaka photographe