Rémy Graillot, the new winemaker at Château de L'Estang

He's always liked to take his time. Rémy Graillot, happily retired from a career in real estate investment, acquired Château de L'Estang in 2013. The place has a certain magic and a great history. The first mention of the estate dates back to 1573. Chateaubriand was a regular visitor, and records show that the poet planted the Lebanon cedar, which can still be seen in front of the building. The 10-hectare estate, with its park and pond, also includes vines: originally 1.5 hectares, which the new owner has doubled by replanting. I was born inCosne-sur-Loire and come froma farming family," says Rémy Graillot. I'd already invested in a small vineyard in Sancerre, but I didn't run it directly. This time, my project is completely different. "

A long-term project

The new winegrower let his idea mature. More than ten years passed between his arrival at the château and the marketing of the first bottles in September 2023. Time enough to decide to really become a winemaker," he smiles. To undertake renovation work, to transform the old orangery into a winery, to create a range..." Above all, to deploy an ambitious zero-carbon approach, with a very concrete biodiversity component. Numerous plant specimens have been reintroduced to an already verdant estate. Among the 136 species of trees and shrubs listed today are fruit trees of all kinds, including pear, fig and hazelnut trees... Rémy Graillot wanted to validate this approach with an original label, that of the Agence de l'environnement et de la maîtrise de l'énergie (Ademe): "We are the first independent winery to be certified low-carbon by Ademe. My aim is to be zero-carbon, with no external compensation. We're not there yet, but it's at the heart of my approach. It has become necessary to drastically reduce these emissions. "

Beyond the château

Château de L'Estang is also in the process of converting to organic farming, with certification expected in 2025, and is currently considering biodynamic farming. These are arguments for the consumer and assets for the estate," continues the owner. We want to make this known, even if, for the moment, we're content with a QR code on the back label that links to our website. " With its small vineyard in the heart of Sancerre and 100% flint terroir, the estate markets two sauvignon cuvées from the first harvests of 2021: Lestang 1573 "Tradition", vinified in stainless steel tanks, and "L'Illustre Voyageur", in very limited quantities, from the oldest vines and aged in demi-muid. Distribution begins with a selective network of wine merchants and fine restaurants. And because wine is "an art when it's as natural as possible", confides Rémy Graillot, Château de L'Estang also aims to be a home for artists: an exhibition space for a cutting-edge collection and a residence for original collaborations. Definitely one to watch.