#WinegrowerPortrait : Céline LANNOYE
Discover the men and women who work in the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Puisseguin Saint-Emilion!
On 31st January 2022, at the end of the Coupe des Crus de Saint-Emilion, 24 wines were chosen as “Coups de Cœur 2022” by a jury of professionals! Château Lanbersac Cuvée Vielles Vignes, a Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, was one of the winners. Céline LANNOYE, 34, works on the estate. Find out more about this winegrower and her wine!
What is your role on the estate?
My role at the estate is to be like a musical conductor. My job is to make sure that every year we get the best from our terroirs. I work with my team on the changes we need to make in the vineyard and the cellar.
I love the work of blending, but especially the harvest period.
You are one of the 24 "Coups de Cœur 2022" of Saint-Emilion Wines. How do you feel about this?
"It's my first time taking part in this event, and I'm really pleased because this award underlines the work we've been doing in the vineyard for over ten years".
Can you tell us about your estate?
Château Lanbersac is a 22-hectare estate. It has been owned by my family since 2001. The property is unique because it is divided into 3 large blocks on 3 different terroirs in the appellation (clay-limestone soil, clay-silica soil and silty-limestone soil). It is therefore fairly representative of the appellation.
We have taken care to restructure the vineyard to match the soil and the planting material, and to improve planting density. As a result, we can guarantee regulated yields per vine.
Since 2019, we have been HVE3 and Terra Vitis certified.
The unusual element
The illustration on the label is often mistaken for a dragon. Some even dare to say that it was made for the Chinese! In fact, it’s a lion, the astrological sign of both my parents and the emblem of the flag of French Flanders, where we come from.
Can you tell us about the winning vintage?
Our 100% Merlot vintage benefited from the exceptional weather conditions of the 2016 vintage. However, we had to be careful about over-ripeness, especially with a 100% Merlot. In the end, the wine is elegant, with tension and well-developed tannins.
Can you suggest a food and wine pairing with the winning vintage?
Château Lanbersac Cuvée Vielles Vignes is obviously a wine that goes very well with grilled red meats. But, being from the north of France, I’d say my favourite pairing is a good Maroilles tart!