HERITAGE AND TRADITION AT THE BOURILLON DORLÉANS ESTATE

Heritage and Tradition of Domaine Bourillon Dorléans

Domaine Bourillon Dorléans, located in Rochecorbon within the Vouvray vineyard, has embodied tradition and a love for the vine since the 1870s. Founded by Gaston Dorléans after World War I, the estate quickly gained a reputation with the marketing of its first vintage in 1921.

Today, Frédéric Bourillon, grandson of Gaston, continues this legacy by adding his personal touch to each cuvée. A graduate in viticulture from the prestigious Avize school in Champagne, Frédéric has always aimed to produce high-quality wines while remaining true to family traditions. This philosophy is reflected in a deep respect for the terroir and a commitment to producing authentic and elegant wines.

The estate has evolved over the decades while maintaining its family spirit. In 1984, Frédéric established his own wine business, which he merged with his parents’ in 1992. With the arrival of his sons, Benjamin and Maxime, the story of the estate continues to unfold. In 2023, the two brothers launched their first cuvée by isolating a one-hectare plot, thus affirming their desire to contribute to the future of the family estate.

Innovation and Environmental Respect

Sustainable viticulture has been at the heart of Domaine Bourillon Dorléans’ practices for over 25 years. This commitment to sustainable agriculture involves minimal treatments, applied only when necessary and exclusively with BioControl-certified products. For example, in 2022, only five treatments were applied across the entire vineyard. This approach not only respects the vine but also the surrounding biodiversity, utilizing techniques such as shredding vine cuttings to naturally enrich the soils.

The estate also embraces innovative winemaking practices. The winery, built in 1991 and equipped with temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allows for the production of exceptionally pure wines. For high-end cuvées, the estate favors vinification in Burgundy oak barrels, using indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes. Since 2022, the harvest has been treated with BioProtection, thus reducing the use of sulfites, which ensures a pure and authentic expression of the Vouvray terroir.

Domaine Bourillon Dorléans: A Passion Passed Through Generations

The passion for wine is deeply rooted in the family history of Domaine Bourillon Dorléans. Frédéric inherited this passion from his grandfather and has passed it on to his sons, who are now involved in the winemaking adventure. Every day, the estate's team is motivated to overcome challenges, observe the vines evolve through the seasons, and produce wines that reflect the excellence of their terroir.

Domaine Bourillon Dorléans is also distinguished by its strong connection to art and gastronomy, illustrated through collaborations with artists like sculptor Michel Audiard, as well as numerous events celebrating the French art of living. Among the unlikely anecdotes at Domaine Bourillon Dorléans is the encounter with Mick Jagger and Olga Smirnova, the principal ballerina of the Bolshoi.

Domaine Bourillon Dorléans is more than just a vineyard; it is a place where family heritage, love for wine, and respect for nature come together to create exceptional wines. Frédéric Bourillon, with the support of his family, continues to uphold this legacy by adhering to the motto: "Always strive to do better," a commitment—almost a mantra—that drives Domaine Bourillon Dorléans to never rest on its laurels. If the personality of the winemaker is reflected in every wine from the estate, the cuvée that resembles him most is undoubtedly "Oppidum 2009," a dry white wine that is both rich and powerful.