Napa Valley, CA (May 10, 2022) — Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is pleased to announce their latest import partnership with La Chablisienne of Burgundy. Located in the heart of Chablis, La Chablisienne is a cooperative winery established in 1923 and owned by a collection of 270 winegrowing families. As one of the most prominent producers in Chablis, it joins Domaine de Montille, Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye and Maison Legras & Haas in Demeine Estates’ rapidly growing French portfolio.
“Demeine Estates is thrilled to be the exclusive US importer for this community of family winegrowers,” says Scott Diaz, Demeine Estates Senior Vice President of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing. “La Chablisienne is the only winery in Chablis that produces serious wines from a mosaic of vineyard holdings while guaranteeing supply in a category with ongoing scarcity.”
Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, La Chablisienne remains grower-owned, without the involvement of any financial institution. During World War II, the winery was run by women and flourished under their stewardship. Today, the vineyard holdings total 1200 hectares, and include 82% of Chablis Grand Cru Chateau Genouilles. The winery produces 25% of the wine made in the Chablis AOC.
“The US market is very important for La Chablisienne as well as for Chablis. We wanted to partner with a very fine importer, full of energy, with a family based instinct that would also understand wine production and history,” said Damien Leclerc, General Director and Olivier Masmondet, Export Director. “We are sure that together, we are writing the future of both companies in the USA and we are excited to have found in Demeine Estates such a great partner.”
The vineyard team works with their growers throughout the year, offering advice on farming and sustainable vineyard practices. Growers are rewarded for achieving top quality based on a 100-point classification system, and anything below top quality of a 95 threshold is declassified from the La Chablisienne brand.
“Chablis is a region that our team is extremely passionate about,” said Lawrence Wine Estates Managing Partner Carlton McCoy Jr. “La Chablisienne aligns with our philosophies because of their superior vineyard holdings which consistently create the best quality wines, and make them stand out in a prestigious region.”
The winery is known for its distinct style and long “elevage” approach with a focus on quality and expression, diverging from the usual cooperative. Harvest is delivered in the form of musts (unfermented juice), a particularity that has become the trademark of the house and allows for total control over the winemaking processes. Winemaker Vincent Bartement has been named best winemaker of the year for white wines in 2014, 2016 and 2021 from the International Wine Challenge (IWC). These elegant cuvées are known for their sense of purity and minerality, occasionally produced with a strategic use of oak.
“La Chablisienne’s exceptional vineyard holdings and long-time prestige, rooted in a sense of community and innovation, make this an exciting addition to our portfolio,” says Demeine Estates President Philana Bouvier.
From Chablis, Demeine Estates will be importing 9 premier crus, 2 grand crus, Chablis AOC, Petit Chablis, Aligoté, Sauvignon de Saint-Bris and Bourgogne Chardonnay of Chablis. From Côte de Nuits, they will be importing Gevrey-Chambertin and Morey-Saint-Denis Village, Bourgogne Pinot Noir.
About La Chablisienne
La Chablisienne was established in 1923 by a number of winegrowers in Chablis under the leadership of Abbé Balitrand. This cooperative is rooted in a pioneering spirit, creating pure, minerality driven wines of exquisite quality. Today, La Chablisienne spans 270 winegrowers and 1,200 acres farming and is known for producing some of the top wine in Chablis. www.chablisienne.com
About Demeine Estates
Demeine Estates is a family-owned importer and marketer of the world’s finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates curated portfolio also consists of both premium family-owned domestic and international producers who represent exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. www.demeineestates.com
