HISTORY
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History of the estate
Clau de nell is first and foremost a story rich in human adventures.
It all started with a company called CLAC, which was created by Anne-Claude Leflaive, her husband Christian Jacques and the famous soil microbiologists Claude and Lydia Bourguignon in 2006. The idea was to help French biodynamic winegrowers to export their wines abroad.
In 2006, Anne Claude and Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell estate. A domain with high potential, located in the Loire valley – in Ambillou-Château – established on a soil composed of clay, flint and tuffeau stone. Magnificent vines with an average age of 60 years, with some over a hundred years of age. Eight hectares of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau but also Cabernet Sauvignon.
2008 was a complicated year for the young owners. In view of the potential of the vines and the terroir, of Biodynamic cultivation since 2000, Anne-Claude and Christian decided to come to their aid, and to buy the estate to overcome bankruptcy. After an intense year, the young owners decided to leave and look for another life.
In 2009, Sylvain Potin joined the team as a manager, with his experiences in the world of biodynamics.
In 2012, 1.5 hectares of Chenin were planted.
In 2017, 0.5 hectares of Grolleau.
In 2018, 1.5 hectares of additional Chenin.
In 2021, Clau de Nell reveals his 5th cuvee Blanc de Noir.
In 2023, the permanent team of the estate is now complete with Christian in charge, supported by Sylvain as manager. Cyril takes care of the vines and Arnaud of the cellar. Sonia is at the administration.
The 3 daughters of Anne-Claude and Christian now all have a professional activity in the world of wine and one foot in the family estate :
Marine builds the new winery of the domain and manage her eco-dynamic architecture agency specializing in wineries : www.atelierzerocarbone.com
Charlotte takes care of the export and communication of the domain and manage her events agency specializing in wine fairs : www.leflaivetranquille.com
Claire represents the domain in Burgundy and manage her wine and dining shop in Beaune : www.enstase.fr
Philosophy of the domain
At Clau de Nell, nature is essential, it is a philosophy of life. Letting nature take its course also means knowing how to grasp what is happening and how it will happen.
Welcome then to the natural encounter between the unforeseen and its happy hazards. This is how Sylvain, the manager, joined the estate: through connections. It was during a walk in the vineyard that Anne-Claude decided to hire him. He had already acquired great experience in biodynamics in South America. He knew what nature has to give and how to respect it so that the terroir and the vintage are expressed at best, as close as possible to their truth.
This simple and demanding approach is the identity of life at the estate. During the harvest, the kitchen becomes the heart of discussions, a unique space dedicated to the life of a team united by hard work and commitment for quality.
Team
Sylvain
Onsite Manager
Hired by Anne-Claude Leflaive within a few minutes, after a walk in the vineyards 10 years ago, Sylvain is the manager and shareholder of the Domaine. Originally from the Angers area, his experience in the wine industry is extensive. From working as a sommelier at prestigious tables, to the marketing of wines and finally on the production side, Sylvain has more than one trick up his sleeve! He acquired a solid knowledge in biodynamic viticulture during his three years in Chile, but also in several wine estates in France, which did not leave Anne-Claude indifferent! Developing pure and precise wines, considering the terroir above all else, this is Sylvain’s whole philosophy.
Christian
Managing Director
A civil engineer by training, Christian Jacques accompanied the world of wine from afar through his wife Anne-Claude Leflaive. After more than 30 years at the head of a Dijon-based constructing company, it was while taking care of the Clau de Nell estate in 2006 that he became attached to the world of wine and detached himself from construction works. Christian is also a sailor who crisscrosses the oceans aboard his sailboat Kapaz … as well as an inventive cook since always. Today, Christian is the manager of the estate, perpetuating Anne-Claude’s philosophy as best as possible and taking care of the estate and the team. The adventure goes on !
Charlotte
Communication & export
Trained in communication and management of cultural projects, Charlotte works after 15 years in events organization.
In 2016, she created “Leflaive Tranquille”, her events agency to manage various projects around culture, wine and gastronomy.
At the same time, Charlotte joined the family estate for the communication and export part.
Cyril
Vines responsable
After working 10 years in the industry as a miller, Cyril decided to devote himself to the wine-growing environment by obtaining between 2012 and 2014 his “BPA Works of the wine and wine” and his BTS Viticulture Oenology in Mâcon. It was in 2013 that Cyril carried out his first experience at Clau de Nell by dealing with pruning and disbudding. He will be hired in 2015 and is now the vines responsible for the domain.
Cyril
Vines responsable
After working 10 years in the industry as a miller, Cyril decided to devote himself to the wine-growing environment by obtaining between 2012 and 2014 his “BPA Works of the wine and wine” and his BTS Viticulture Oenology in Mâcon. It was in 2013 that Cyril carried out his first experience at Clau de Nell by dealing with pruning and disbudding. He will be hired in 2015 and is now the vines responsible for the domain.
Arnaud
Cellars responsable
Native of Ambillou-Château, Arnaud comes from the hotel and restaurant industry. Then, he worked as sommelier and in the wine trade and finally in production, before arriving at CLau de Nell in 2018 for the debudding season. The same year he validated his BTS Viticulture Oenology and will be hired on a permanent contract in 2019. Arnaud is now the cellars responsible for the domain.