Domaine Henri Bourgeois Celebrates Organic Winemaking with New Look

It isn’t every day that one gets to meet a 9th-generation family producer and patriarch of a wine family! I was one, so fortunate to have had the rare opportunity of acquainting myself with Jean-Marie Bourgeois.

Revealed for the first time to the Singapore audience in unveiling the Brand’s reimagined identity, an exclusive wine tasting luncheon was held featuring two Domaine Henri Bourgeois wines.

ES-56 Sancerre Blanc 2022 (new label) and La Demoiselle Pouilly Fumé 2020 (current) were paired with an exquisite luncheon. LA BOURGEOISE" AND "LA DEMOISELLE DE BOURGEOIS" have been re-named to better reflect their terroirs.

Sancerre “La Bourgeoise” becomes "ES-56" (Eocene Silex - 56 million years of age) and Pouilly-Fumé "La Demoiselle Bourgeois" becomes "JS-150" (Jurassic Superior - 150 million years of age).

Little did I know that Jean-Marie Bourgeois was the visionary behind the family that transformed the Sancerre appellation into a global sensation. Wow! Sancerre was my favourite from a long time ago, so imagine my delight in meeting the man behind the scenes.

As questions unfolded, I felt the pride and honour of family exude. Many in the younger generations were involved in some way, upholding the integrity of this unparalleled legacy in winemaking.

I learnt so much about terroir and even had the opportunity to hold pieces in my hand. Flown all the way from Chavignol, birthplace of the Bourgeois family near Sancerre, we were encouraged to smell these pieces for difference.

While I loved both wines featured, when asked to choose a favourite, I picked the Pouilly Fumé! So crisp and a wonderful pair to the light Asian meal we had. The Sancerre’s floral notes appealed to most men at the table, a consistent trend observed over the years apparently.

As with everything in life, the need to stay current while tradition is honoured, hence the fresh chapter in Domaine Henri Bourgeois’s re-branding. Having converted its 72 hectares of vineyards to a complete organic vintage, it seemed timely to rework the labels and logo.

For me, the values of respect for tradition, a quest for precision and a genuine passion for terroirs, came through loud and clear.

A grand salute to a grand family!

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What about attending an extraordinary wine-tasting event at Madame Fan, the stylish Chinese restaurant located within the NCO Club at South Beach? This experience was remarkable. The stars of the show were two exquisite offerings from Domaine Henri Bourgeois: the ES-56 Sancerre Blanc 2022 and La Demoiselle Pouilly Fumé 2020.

Domaine Henri Bourgeois wine isn't just any winery; it's a family legacy that has been perfecting the art of winemaking in the Loire Valley for an astounding 300 years. The event was graced by Jean-Marie Bourgeois, the 10th-generation family producer and patriarch. Here’s a gentleman whose eyes light up when he talks about his wines. His presence added an air of authenticity and tradition to the tasting, making this lunch so special and memorable.

Jean-Marie was in Singapore to launch the re-branding of the two wines to reflect their terroirs better. The "JS-150" for "Jurassic Superior - 150 million years of age" was formerly known as the "La Demoiselle Bourgeois". These vines are grown on the Kimmeridgian marls of Saint Laurent-l'Abbaye, the historic birthplace of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. These marls are deposits of clay and oyster/mussel fossils from the Jurassic epoch. The Sancerre "La Bourgeoise" is now re-labelled as "ES-56" for "Eocene Silex - 56 million years of age", reflecting the flint terroir of Sancerre.

Now, let's see what makes these wines special. This year, Domaine Henri Bourgeois has achieved something truly remarkable – their first 100% organic vintage. It culminates years of careful work across their 72 hectares of vineyards. This is a big deal in a world where we're all trying to be kinder to our planet. Expat Choice – your bonus awaits you at the end of this comment.

They've given their labels a fresh new look to mark this milestone. It's not just about looking pretty on the shelf, though they certainly do. These new labels reaffirm the values that have made Domaine Henri Bourgeois a name to reckon with - respect for tradition, a quest for precision, and a genuine passion for their terroirs.

First up was the La Demoiselle Pouilly Fumé 2020. When I held the glass to my nose, I was hit with notes of dried grass - classic Pouilly Fumé. When you take a sip, the magic happens. Crisp and lively, it races across your palate, leaving you refreshed and reaching for more.

But for me, the real showstopper was the ES-56 Sancerre Blanc 2022. This wine is like a good story – revealing itself over time it takes to tell it. At first sip, it's all bright citrus and almost minty. But give it time, let it breathe, and I discovered another new side to its personality. A buttery smoothness emerges, perfectly balancing out those zesty notes. It's the kind of wine that makes you want to slow down and savour every moment.

Interestingly, Jean-David Costerg, the estate's ambassador and commercial director, shared a fun observation. Apparently, after hosting countless wine sessions, he's noticed a trend: women tend to prefer the Pouilly Fumé, while men lean towards the Sancerre. In my case, his theory held true!

OK, I wondered how these crisp, elegant wines pair with Chinese cuisine. The answer? Surprisingly well! Madame Fan's chef crafted a menu that beautifully complemented these Loire Valley gems.

We started with delicate appetisers – a mooli puff, Siew Long Bao dumpling, and scallop Shumai. The lightness of these starters was the perfect canvas for the wine’s artistry. For mains, we were treated to a perfectly steamed Chilean seabass with a ginger sauce that perfectly matched the wine's citrus notes. A crispy noodle dish served with Iberico char siu and bean sprouts added a textural contrast that kept things interesting. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, out came a delightful tea lychee jelly – a sweet ending that didn't overpower the lingering notes of the wine.

While Sancerre is undoubtedly the star of the show for Domaine Henri Bourgeois, it's not their only trick. They've taken their centuries of winemaking expertise all the way to New Zealand's Marlborough region. If you're curious, look out for wines under the Clos Henri label – it's the same Bourgeois magic, just with a Kiwi twist.

As I left Madam Fan that afternoon, I felt like I'd been let in on a secret. These aren't wines you'll find in just any shop, but they're worth seeking out. In Singapore, you'll spot them on the wine lists of some of the finest restaurants – a testament to their quality.

What struck me most was Jean-Marie's pride in his family's traditions. When I asked about trends in winemaking, his response was clear: at Domaine Henri Bourgeois, they're not chasing fads. They're focused on making the best wine their land can produce, just as they have for centuries.

Next time you're out for a special meal, keep an eye out for Domaine Henri Bourgeois on the wine list. Whether you go for the Sancerre or the Pouilly Fumé, you're in for a treat.

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