Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Domaine Henri Bourgeois – The art of revealing Sancerre for ten generations

Domain name

Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Wine region

Loire Valley

Appellations and terroirs

Domaine Henri Bourgeois spans 72 hectares in the Sancerre region, primarily around Chavignol, the appellation's iconic village. The vineyard rests on three main soil types: clay-limestone, which yields lively and fruity wines; Kimmeridgian marl, rich in marine fossils, which imparts texture and depth; and flint, which contributes a distinctive minerality and smoky notes. This mosaic of terroirs allows the family to craft a range of elegant, expressive, and deeply distinctive wines. In addition to Sancerre, the family also produces wines in Pouilly-Fumé, Quincy, and Menetou-Salon, and develops IGP wines such as "Petit Bourgeois." Since the 2000s, she has also established an estate in New Zealand, Clos Henri, in the Marlborough region, exploring another terroir of excellence for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, while remaining true to her original philosophy.

Iconic grape varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

Philosophy and History

For ten generations, the Bourgeois family has cultivated vines in Chavignol. In the 1950s, Henri Bourgeois made a bold decision: to abandon subsistence farming and dedicate himself fully to viticulture. At a time when Sancerre was still relatively unknown, he laid the foundations for a visionary estate. Joined in the 1960s by his sons Jean-Marie and Rémi, he expanded the cultivated area, identified new terroirs, and helped to establish Sancerre's reputation in France and then internationally. Today, Arnaud, Lionel, and Jean-Christophe embody the new generation, combining technical expertise with a commitment to passing on their knowledge. Their balanced and rigorous teamwork is the key to the harmony that characterizes the estate's wines. Through each vintage, the family expresses its deep connection to the land, the vines, and the true essence of wine.

Production specifics

The estate practices rigorous plot-by-plot vinification, the result of many years of observation and tasting. Each plot is harvested by hand at perfect ripeness, after tasting the berries. The gravity-flow winery, carved into the Chavignol hillside, allows for work without pumping, respecting the natural balance. The Sauvignon Blanc is vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity, or partially in barrels for certain single-plot cuvées. The Pinot Noir is destemmed and then gently macerated to reveal the finesse of its tannins. Aging takes place in tanks or barrels depending on the profile of each wine. Precision, freshness, and the expression of the terroir guide every step. Particular attention is paid to hygiene, temperature control, and analytical monitoring to guarantee wines that are both pure and vibrant. The family also places great importance on reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable viticulture, responsible water use, and optimized management of waste and energy resources.

Recognitions

Domaine Henri Bourgeois enjoys a solid international reputation. The wines from the Clos Henri project in New Zealand have received prestigious awards from Wine Enthusiast: 95 points for the Pinot Noir "Waimaunga," 94 points for the Sauvignon Blanc "Otira," and 93 points for the "Estate." In France, the Sancerre reds and whites are regularly featured in guides such as Bettane & Desseauve, RVF, and the Guide Hachette. The consistency of style, the elegant balance, and the aromatic purity appeal to sommeliers, wine merchants, and wine lovers alike. The estate's wines are also found on the finest tables in France and around the world, and it excels in competitions and blind tastings.

Domaine Henri Bourgeois embodies the subtle alliance between heritage and modernity. Through respectful viticulture, precise winemaking, and constant curiosity, the Bourgeois family tells a story of authenticity, terroir, and emotion, always faithful to Chavignol.

Why choose a wine from Domaine Henri Bourgeois?

• Ten generations of family know-how in Chavignol
• A pioneering, plot-based approach in the Sancerre region
• Exceptional terroirs revealed with precision
• Wines exported and awarded worldwide
• Sustainable viticulture and an exemplary gravity-flow winery

Discover the selection of wines from Domaine Henri Bourgeois and let yourself be seduced by their mineral brilliance, their aromatic finesse and their unique Loire identity!