French computer whizz buys Chambert vineyard

Published: 8th Jan 2008

Author: Christian Davis

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French entrepreneur Philippe Lejeune has bought the historic Chambert vineyard and Château Carlat in the Cahors region of south west France.

Lejeune, who began his fortune by developing computer software in the US at the age of 21, aims to establish Chambert as a leader of the Cahors appellation and promote the Malbec grape variety.

Malbec, or Cot, is the traditional grape variety of Cahors but it has been successfully adopted and capitalised on by South America's largest wine producer, Argentina.

Some plots of Tannat and Merlot are being grubbed up at Chambert to increase the focus on Malbec. Lejeune believes that the vineyard terroir is capable of producing world class wines.

He also intends to plant Chardonnay on the vineyard's chalky soils.

The 60 hectares which supply the Château de Chambert and Château Carlat have been in the hands of the Delgoulet family since 1973.

Wine consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt (also Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, St Emilion) and his team have been involved since 1999 and the vineyard is being managed sustainably and organically (no chemical usage since 1973).

Current wines include: Orphée de Chateua Chambert, Château Chambert, Adonis de Château Chambert and Château Carlat, Rosé de Chambert, Vin de Pays du Lot, and fortified wine Rogomme.