FRANCE | SAINT ÉMILION

In 1992, two years after their wedding, Sophie and Laurent Poitevin decided to take over the destiny of Château Grand Bert and Château Grand Tuillac. The two properties were handed-down from Sophie's parents and Laurent's parents in law, Philippe and Françoise Lavigne. Along with the properties, knowledge was also handed-down. Philippe Lavigne passed on all his know-how to Sophie and Laurent to uphold the family expertise. Over the course of the last 27 years Sophie and Laurent have kept on perfecting the wine fabrication and the management of the family business.

Both are driven by passion and a willingness to transmit this great tool to their children Thomas and Pierre, just like their parents did before them. Thomas (1991), joined the family operation three years ago as head of culture and cellar master. Pierre (1994), joined the adventure in 2016 as sales representative and marketing. The two of them make the 7th generation of winegrowers of the two properties and plan to add their own touch whilst making sure to keep the authenticity of Château Grand Bert and Château Grand Tuillac.

CHÂTEAU GRAND BERT

A few minutes away from Saint-Émilion, in the town of Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, at the place called Grand Bert, we can meet the Château Grand Bert. Its 27.5 acres of vineyard (merlot and cabernet franc), located around a beautiful 16th century residence, contemplate the famous bell tower of the church of Saint-Émilion. Finesse and seduction characterize this exceptional “terroir” with a yearly production of 75,000 bottles in AOC Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.

CHÂTEAU GRAND TUILLAC

In the village of Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguilhe, at the “lieu-dit” (individual vineyard below the Grand Cru status) we find the Château Grand Tuillac. Situated on the extension of the clay-limestone soil of Saint-Émilion, on the highest hills of the right bank of the Dordogne river, Château Grand Tuillac spreads its 100 acres of merlot and cabernet franc vines overlooking its "girondine" style house that represents the Château. Elegance and tradition are the expression of this “terroir” with an average annual production of 300,000 bottles.