History
Eighteenth-century origins
Comte Lafond, an ancestor of Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, came from Burgundy. During the eighteenth century, he became the first member of the family line to purchase vineyards in the Loire, seeking to diversify his vineyard properties. Domaine Comte Lafond subsequently continued to expand and developed a range encompassing white, red and rosé Sancerre.
Expansion under Baron Patrick de Ladoucette
Baron Patrick de Ladoucette strengthened the family's position in Sancerre through an investment in 35 ha of vineyards. The holding includes Orme aux Loups, a site planted exclusively with Pinot Noir. The acquisition expanded the estate's capacity to produce red and rosé Sancerre.
Special cuvées from 1993
Beginning in 1993, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette created three special cuvées: Grande Cuvée Comte Lafond Blanc, Grande Cuvée Comte Lafond Rouge and Grande Cuvée Comte Lafond Rosé. They were conceived as the estate's interpretation of the highest expression of Sancerre.
Terroir
Domaine Comte Lafond's vineyards are situated in the Sancerre area of the Loire. The identified holding covers 35 ha and includes Orme aux Loups, a vineyard planted exclusively with Pinot Noir. No individual soils, elevations, exposures or climatic influences are characterized.
Philosophy
The three Grande Cuvée bottlings introduced from 1993 were conceived to embody what Domaine Comte Lafond regards as the quintessence of Sancerre. Within this quality-led program, the estate distinguishes white, red and rosé expressions, while the Pinot Noir planted at Orme aux Loups underpins its emphasis on refined red and rosé Sancerre.