Château Léoville Poyferré
Château Léoville Poyferré: A Bordeaux Icon of Elegance and Excellence
Chateau Leoville Poyferre is a charming estate in Saint Julien, where the Cuvelier family graciously hosted their domaine for the welcome party to kick off En Primeur Week.
The estate’s rich history traces back to the 17th century, when it formed part of the vast Léoville estate owned by the noble de Moytie family.
Throughout the centuries, Château Léoville Poyferré changed ownership, each leaving a distinct mark on its legacy.
However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the estate truly flourished under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family, who had established a long-standing negotiant business in Bordeaux.
Cuvelier Family - Custodians of Tradition
For over a century, the Cuvelier family has meticulously overseen the vineyards and winemaking practices at Château Léoville Poyferré, upholding a tradition of quality and dedication.
As guests arrived at Château Léoville Poyferré and ascended the staircase to the welcome party, they were greeted by an attractive, smiling woman on the landing. Flanked by two servers offering sparkling wine on silver trays, the woman was Sara Lecompte Cuvelier, warmly welcoming her guests.
Ms. Cuvelier assumed management of the estate in 2018, succeeding her cousin Didier Cuvelier after his retirement. She had previously pursued a career outside of the wine industry before returning to lead the estate, having completed her wine estate management diploma at Bordeaux Sciences Agro.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Ms. Cuvelier has been proactive in addressing climate change, a key issue impacting the vineyard’s operations. Changes in climate have necessitated adjustments in picking times and vinification choices, but so far, the estate has managed these challenges successfully while maintaining the wine’s distinctive style.
The Cuvelier Welcome
Joining Ms. Cuvelier in greeting guests was her sister, Anne Cuvelier, who oversees tourism and events at the estate. Following a welcome from Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux president Ronan Laborde, both Anne and Sara delivered impassioned speeches summarizing the chateau’s history and outlining their vision for the future, including their establishment of Cuvelier Los Andes in Argentina in 1998.
Château Léoville Poyferré Terroir
Château Léoville Poyferré benefits from an exceptional terroir characterized by gravelly soils that impart a unique flavor and mouthfeel to the wine. Notably, there has been a shift towards emphasizing freshness in the wine and reducing the use of Merlot in the blend, reflecting a commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of winemaking.
Château Léoville Poyferré Portfolio
Château Léoville Poyferré boasts a portfolio of exceptional wines, including the flagship Château Léoville Poyferré Grand Vin, renowned for its opulence, richness, and aging potential. The second wine, Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, offers a more accessible expression of Saint-Julien’s elegance and sophistication.
Global Acclaim and Recognition
The wines of Château Léoville Poyferré have earned international acclaim, receiving accolades from critics and connoisseurs worldwide. The welcome evening provided guests with the opportunity to taste these celebrated wines alongside their peers, as members of the UGCB shared their own bottles for comparison.
Kudos to the Cuvelier family for extending their hospitality to international guests and hosting a memorable En Primeur kick-off event.
