Famous Cahors vineyard sold

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

Lejeune, who made his fortune by developing computer software in the US, 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 Argentina has successfully adopted and capitalised on it .

Some plots of Tannat and Merlot are being grubbed up to increase the focus on Malbec. Lejeune believes that the 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.