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LOIRE VALLEY<br />
MARKETS<br />
THE VINEYARDS AT DOMAINE LA BARBOTAINE<br />
Around 80% of the wines are shipped abroad and<br />
both brother and sister have witnessed growing<br />
interest in their red and rosé Sancerres, highlighting<br />
the change in tastes and expectations among<br />
international consumers. “We are really seeing a<br />
new trend with red Sancerre which is carving out<br />
a prime position in our different export markets,<br />
whilst our Sancerre rosés are resonating with wine<br />
enthusiasts”, explains Vincent Natter. By way of a<br />
conclusion, he says: “There is competition for our<br />
wines from those produced around the world but<br />
this drives us to constantly make improvements.<br />
Each Sancerre is unique though and there is a<br />
strong, collaborative effort to uphold the reputation<br />
of our wines”.<br />
DOMAINE LA BARBOTAINE:<br />
“YOU SHOULD NEVER REST ON<br />
YOUR LAURELS”<br />
FRÉDÉRIC AND SYLVIE CHAMPAULT, OWNERS OF DOMAINE LA BARBOTAINE<br />
Set in the heart of Crézancy, Domaine La Barbotaine<br />
offers a vibrant tribute to the family heritage<br />
perpetuated by Frédéric Champault and his wife<br />
Sylvie. The winery is imbued with a history of winegrowing<br />
spanning the generations and is the perfect<br />
illustration of the commitment and passion that<br />
drive the Champaults. Since he began working on<br />
the farm in 1994, Frédéric Champault has not only<br />
been successful in preserving this heritage, but also<br />
in enhancing it.<br />
With 18 hectares of Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir<br />
vines, the vineyard is home to a distinctive mosaic<br />
of vineyard sites, equally divided between ‘terres<br />
blanches’, ‘caillottes’ and red soils which lend the<br />
wines their finesse and fruitiness along with a<br />
unique signature style. This geological diversity is a<br />
constant source of inspiration for the Champaults<br />
who strive to produce wines that reflect the variety<br />
and complexity of these soils.<br />
Frédéric Champault recalls how far the winery has<br />
come since its original 6 hectares under vine, pointing<br />
to its ambitious growth curve: “My parents only<br />
farmed 6 hectares and produced very few bottled<br />
wines. Sylvie and I have expanded bottle sales and<br />
exports, which now account for approximately 80%<br />
16 SPRING 2024 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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