Winemaker Wednesday: Domaine Henri Bourgeois
Eleven centuries ago, Henri Bourgeois had the foresight to transition his family from traditional agriculture to viticulture. It was a leap of faith at the time that has paid off for the generations of the Bourgeois family since. Today, we speak with Emilie Avignon, Manager of Communication for Domaine Henri Bourgeois.
Tell us about your property (how long it has been in your family, how long you have been making wine there, the size, any growing philosophy you might have):
The Domaine Henri Bourgeois is a family estate run by the eleventh generation of the Bourgeois family. More than 50 years ago, Henri Bourgeois led the family towards viticulture from our traditional agricultural structure (which was the only way to feed a family at that time). The risk was very important, but his sensibility towards the grapevine overpowered his reason.
Year after year, on the most dangerous hills, but with the best exposure, top quality vines were planted, with the vineyard size increasing each year. The winemaking was very early a subject of continuous improvement in order to let the soil and grape varieties express themselves in perfect harmony.
Today, we work an area of 70 hectares covering the Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé appellations and in 2001 we acquired a hill, bare of any culture, in New Zealand where we planted Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir ( the two sole grape varieties grown by our family for eleven generations) and named our property, Clos Henri Vineyard. Art, Passion & Tradition is the philisophy of the Bourgeois family.
What is your favorite vintage and cuvee from your own property and why?
The Sancerre “Le MD de Bourgeois” 2005 : a beautiful vintage, very well-balanced – the best expression of the kimmeridgian soil we have encountered in the last 20 years. All of the natural conditions were ideal, making the 2005 vintage one of the best.
When you are not drinking your own wines, what are you drinking? What other wines, beers, etc. do you enjoy?
All wines from the Loire, such as Chenin, Muscadet AOC or Cabernet Franc because of their fruit and freshness. But never any beers nor other drinks.
What is your favorite food and what wine would you pair it with?
A Tagliatelle with Crottin ( Goat Cheese ) with Nutmeg Butter accompanied by our Pouilly-Fumé “La Demoiselle de Bourgeois,” which goes in perfect harmony with this recipe.
Editor’s Note: Wines from Domaine Henri Bourgeois are available to order at the following stores:
Saratoga Wine Exchange
Zachy’s Wine and Liquor
If the above stores are unable to ship to your state, we suggest using wine-searcher.com to locate a store near you that carries the wine.