Lurton looks to new opportunities in France

Published: 22 June, 2011

Francois Lurton has his eye on vineyard acquisitions in the Languedoc-Roussillon in a bid to develop his white Grenache offering.

The winemaker and distributor of fine wines from France and the New World told Harpers at Bordeaux's wine fair Vinexpo: "I'm a true producer - my policy is to increase volumes of vineyards."

Lurton identified the Languedoc-Roussillon as a region that's showing great potential for white Grenache and with more vineyards he believes the company can "develop its white offering" from the region.

Gascogne is another French region Lurton tipped for success. "It's going to develop much more viticulturally," he said. The company would like to "develop opportunities" there with the acquisition of more vineyards, he added.

Lurton, however, ruled out buying vineyards in countries where he does not already own land. "I want to stabilize and develop the wines we already have," he said.

In the UK, Lurton identified Malbec as a variety that is showing great potential. "It's going to boom", he said, adding Grenache is another under-rated variety that will soon see a huge surge in popularity.

Sauvignon Blanc has the potential to "steal Chardonnay's market share", according to Lurton, who predicted future growth for the variety.

Lurton revealed that the company will this year be re-positioning its Les Fumees Blanches range from Gers in the South West of France. The strategy will include a greater focus on building distribution in the on-trade sector, he said.

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