How did your family enter the world of wines?
My family is originally from Champagne and hence, have always been passionate with wines. I remember at a very young age that I use to accompany my grandfather to select a good bottle of wine from the cellar to go with the family lunch. It was a wine ritual. My father has equally a beautiful wine cellar with stone walls. We had been winegrowers for 25 years when my father acquired a Champagne house. Then in 2000, he took over Chateau La Lagune and Domain Paul Jaboulet in 2006. On my part, my passion for the wines grew and I decided to attend the University of Oenologie in Bordeaux after having done my studies in chemistry.
How would you describe the 2007 cuvee?
The 2007 vintage was a real challenge. We adapted our viticulture management to the weather conditions, which is indispensable for quality grapes with good sugar, aromas, a perfect maturity with tannins and good acidity. The weather at the beginning of 2007 started out nicely, then we had rains in the summer, slowing grape maturity. Fortunately, early September brought a lovely Indian summer and boosted grape maturity. The wine today is aging in barrels – we have tasted it and noticed its grand finesse with a lovely aromatique complexity and good length on the palate.
What is your production per year?
In order to have excellent quality wines, we maintain low yields. An average of 100,000 bottles of Chateau La Lagune and 150,000 bottles of Moulin e La Lagune are produced every year. Naturally, production depends on the weather. Mademoiselle L is a wine I created in 2004 that comes from another vineyard next to La Lagune on the same type of terrain. We also produce 100,000 bottles of this wine per year.
Tell us more about the grape variety at La Lagune?
At La Lagune we blend three grape varieties. This permits complexity and equilibrium in our wine and also an aging potential. The main grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon. This brings structure to the wine, the backbone and fruit aromas like blackcurrant. Then the grape variety Merlot brings roundness, flesh and red fruit aromas like cherry. To complete the blend, Petit Verdot is a grape variety that adds the final touch of spice aromas and fruit. It carries acidity, which is indispensable for good aging.
What are the best foods that go with Chateau La Lagune?
Red meats naturally pair very well with our wines and equally white meats and fish. I had the chance to taste several La Lagune vintages with haut Chinese cuisine in top restaurants in Singapore. At first, I thought this cuisine would be too strong for the wine but I was pleasantly surprised. The marriage was perfect, particularly with Peking Duck, which is one of my favourites.
What have been your latest developments at the Domaine?
At the moment, we focus a lot on protecting our terrain. Since 2004, we have been certified Sustainable Viticulture and early this year, we are certified environmental friendly. We are now moving into bio agriculture. For example, for the first time, we worked with horses on the vineyard. We carefully control our use of water, energy and we use environmental friendly products. It is very important that our vines grow in optimal conditions.
How important is Asia in the international development of Chateau La Lagune?
Asia is a market we have put much efforts into and worked a lot with since the last years. I travel here frequently, mainly China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Korea, to meet La Lagune's importers and do staff training, wine appreciation and tasting where required.