Between changes of ownership and overinvestment, a look back at the turbulent history of the Chambord vineyards, fully updated

Reviving the vineyards that existed in the 14th century was the ambition of Jean d’Haussonville, General Manager of Château de Chambord and then General Manager of the National Estate. Henry Marinette Responsible for the replanting of vines on the Ormetrou farm, a historic wine region. Together with his son Jean-Sébastien, Chateau ChamoiseThe house in Soings-en-Sologne decided to use plants from pre-phylloxera vines of romorantin, a very old grape variety closely linked to the history of François I, but also to the history of François I. smallof Pinot NoirAubois and Sauvignon.

Over the years, the Marionnets have replanted 14 hectares, monitored the vines, and are responsible for the harvest and vinification of the appellation’s white wines. Cheverny. At the same time, Jean d’Haussonville and his team decided to build a cellar worthy of the wine. But this was before a devastating report from the Court of Auditors pointed out many flaws and errors in the assessment: no market research for the allocation of vineyard management, more than optimistic business forecasts, too much investment relative to turnover. “However, the project could be headed in a worse direction due to the prospect of a new winery being built by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte», stressed the report. The project, launched in 2017 and with a cost of 4.5 million euros, was abandoned in 2020. The Court of Auditors also stressed that the choice Romorantin Perhaps this was not the wisest approach, as the grape variety did not allow for the production of long-lasting wines. “Chambord wine production and sales urgently need economic regulation», the report concludes.

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“At Chambord, we want to create Chambord!”

In July 2022, Jean-Sébastien Marionnet unceremoniously and without notice to the vineyard management. It was a reality check that he still could not digest, especially since the appointment of Jean de Haussonville, the French ambassador to Monaco, or the new management had never contested the decision. At the same time, and very carefully, Chablisian It takes over the management of the wines at Chambord in the form of consultancy and assistance missions, skill sponsorship in oenology and wine marketing.It is an opportunity and a privilege to work for the National Field“, congratulate yourself Damien LeclercGeneral Manager of the Cooperative BurgundyThere is no doubt that transforming the vineyard into a pseudo-Chablis : «At Chambord, we want to be Chambord!”, Damien Leclerc insisted. Especially since there is huge potential here and a very capable team.»

Aware that the economic benefits of this project are essential for the national heritage and the sustainable development of the vineyards, Damien Leclerc remains confident in the future of wine and its marketing capabilities: “Chambord receives 2 million visitors a year and we should be able to sell the 80,000 bottles of wine produced.» In particular, the old agricultural buildings of the Ormetrou farm have been renovated and furnished and now house a vat room with 14 stainless steel barrels and a cellar with oak barrels from the forest of Chambord.