January 2008
Florence Lafragette, du Château Loudenne
Florence Lafragette orchestrates the destinies of the Château Loudenne, a Chartreuse built on the banks of the estuary of the Gironde. With the image of its property "pink candy" , the young woman has an atypical personality and does not hesitate to put a touch of fantasy in the region of Bordeaux . For example: in 2004, she takes her inspiration on the color of the Château to create a new rosé wine which it baptizes PINK of Loudenne.
The greedy and/or olfactive memory of your childhood?
Odors of wine making and distillation of the cognac at my grandmother’s property.
When and why did you become the director of the properties ?
In 2001, for family reasons initially then because I am very interested in this business which corresponds perfectly in my personality: many contacts, creation, freedom. A permanent boiling!
What attracts you the most ?
Development and the creation of a wine, a new product, a partnership…
What are the advantages (or disadvantages) of being a woman in the wine world?
I see only advantages: to have freedom to be oneself, the possibility of being different. Not to be awaited in a role and less compared!
Who is your team?
My team is made of different personalities: men, women, young people or experienced one.
What type of wines do you produce ?
Wines which correspond to the soil, the history and the personality of the property. Sometimes, wines to remember the pink color of the Château Loudenne (PINK of Loudenne), or the estuary and our logo (hippocampus of Loudenne). But in all the cases, my choices are guided by quality, work and going beyond!
Your favorite cuvée ?
PINK of course !
Who are your clients ?
It is very important for me to know my customers well, being able to welcome them in Loudenne, to understand them. Loudenne is distributed at 70% export and 30% with French market, always via very qualitative networks in the hotels and restaurants as well as the cellars. The consumers are amateurs of sure values and discoveries but especially of excellent ratios quality/price, which is also paramount for me.
Which wines of other soils do you appreciate ?
I learned much on the wine in Napa Valley where I discovered many type of vines, soils and know-how. I thus have a true attachment with this area and particularly in Joseph Phelps Vineyards. But I have especially a true curiosity for all the wines and type of vines of France and the World, reason for which I cannot visit a wine-producing area without discovering a wine field!
Which season enchants you particularly?
Spring with Loudenne! Everything becomes magic: colors, perfumes, vegetation, the estuary, flowers…
If you were a flavour ?
Spiced !
And a word ?
Freedom !
Your favourite combination wine and food ?
The white with shrimps of the estuary… or more elaborated white Loudenne with salads combining pears and Parmesan or shrimps, mint and horseradish!
Your favourite dish ?
Everything with dark chocolate…
The restaurant where you have your habits and that makes you dream ?
I do not like the idea to have habits. I like to discover. That makes me dream: the next one
Do you belong in associations of wine growers or clubs of tasting ?
Yes, with the Alliance of the crus bourgeois. I also founded with three friends wine grower an association Médocaines. And I am also part of Bordeaux Oxygène which brings together 18 young wine growers of Bordeaux, all AOC from Bordeaux.
What does these associations bring to you ?
An exchange of ideas. The meetings around the wine are essential. The wine is a product of sharing, dialogue and opening.
Your other passons ?
Painting, theatre, Art.
What are your projects in 2008 and with more or less long term ?
2008 is the year of the Médocaines! We worked much together since 2005 and this year, many projects will be born from our dynamic and interactive association. I have also have a project to develop Loudenne on the river. We are on the edge of the estuary of the Gironde: an ideal geographical location to make wine but also to accommodate visitors. Thus tourism is our priority! In 2008 and later, I also wish to welcome even more artistic events. Loudenne is a formidable scene for Art. More operas, more plays, more art exhibition and always linked with the strenght of Loudenne : its soil and its unique atmosphere.
For more articles, please click on the link below :
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