Biography

Louis-Fabrice Latour was born in 1964 in Beaune, according to him “A Latour must be born in Beaune”. He joined Maison Louis Latour in 1989, Louis-Fabrice was 24 by then and driven. “I often say that it is better to begin your career as soon as possible because you need about ten years to gain a real understanding of the sales campaign, the vinification process and to be able to get an idea of the vintage quality.” A skilled negociant knows how to link what he buys with what he sells.

The General Manager of Maison Louis Latour, Louis-Fabrice has introduced new management skills and ideas that adhere to the family’s philosophy of integrating modern innovations with the best established traditions. Under his guidance in 2003, Maison Louis Latour purchased Maison Simonnet-Febvre in Chablis reinforcing the family’s position in terms of vineyard holdings in the north of Burgundy. And in 2008 purchased the 15 hectare domain and the house of Henry Fessy in the Beaujolais. This purchase was followed swiftly by more vineyard acquisitions and the domaine now covers nearly 70 hectares mainly in the Crus Beaujolais.

 

Q & A

Today Louis Latour is one of the leading houses in Burgundy, how important is the legacy of your family business to you?

It is very important. Since 1731 we have made wine, and we have been a négociant-éleveur since 1867. I was handed the business in 1999, then I was still called ‘Young Louis’. Only a few years ago did they stop calling me ‘Young Louis’!. My son Louis now has that title! People are always surprised when they meet me that we are still family owned and that I carry the name of the Company. But of course we believe the future is very bright for Burgundy and there are a lot of dynamic young wine makers in Burgundy today both negociant and wine grower, it’s now much easier to attract the younger generation with prosperity. My son who is still young could be the eighth generation Louis, but I only want him to go into the business if he really wants it – you have to love it to do it.

 

We have had two fabulous vintages recently for Burgundy 09 and 10 how do you think these two vintages differ and how do you think the UK palate will perceive them?

2009 is showing so well at the moment, opulent, a bit like 1999 and very different in style to 2005. 2010 could be more English vintage, more acidity, more balanced, but it’s a great couple.

 

Burgundy’s reputation of producing fabulous wine for investment and drinking is growing in international stature, how do you think this will develop for the future?

It will continue to grow as long as we stick to our current high level of quality; balanced wines with yield under control. Red wine is popular again and the great Grand Crus will become more and more sought after, especially with the taking off of Asia. And one day, Beaujolais, especially the Crus will come back.

 

The first Burgundian vineyard has been sold to a Chinese buyer – how has this been perceived in Beaune?

We knew that it would happen sooner or later. Louis Ng Chi Sing mentioned that he discovered Burgundy thanks to Maison Latour with a bottle of Corton Charlemagne 1986. We are pleased that Burgundy has a strong reputation that continues to attract international buyers.

 

If you could buy one Burgundian Domaine what would it be and why?

A great domaine in Côte de Nuits, I won’t mention any names! We are trading with many of them.

 

In your experience what has been the biggest challenge/changes in Burgundy over the last twenty years?

Certainly we are most obsessed by making balanced wines than before; it’s our big challenge with the global warming issue.

 

You are the seventh generation to run Louis Latour, what legacy would you like to leave to the next generation?

A strong Domaine of Premier and Grand Crus in the Cote d’Or backed up by our dynamic producers, Henry Fessy (Beaujolais) and Simonnet Febvre (Chablis). But also strong brand recognition with a style of finesse in wines which has been the Maison Latour tradition for many generations.

 

What are drinking tonight?

Grand Ardeche, Louis Latour, there is always a bottle in the fridge!

 

Who is the person you admire most in Burgundy (outside Dom Latour) and why?

Aubert de Villaine, proprietor of Domaine de lat Romanee-Conti. The work that he is doing on sustainable viticulture in conjunction with us and the other producers is truly impressive. We are welcoming his arrival on the hill of Corton.

 

Your most memorable vintage and why?

So far, 90, a great vintage and I was there. It has great power, finesse, concentration and still young.

 

Your most memorable wine?

Corton Grancey 59, perhaps the best vintage ever!