It was a short meeting in the bustling halls of ProWein two years ago that spawned the relationship between Lanchester Wines and Champagne producer Famille Moutard, and though their respective histories are very different - one founded in County Durham 45 years ago, the other a heritage producer crafting wines since 1642 - both share the bond of long-term family ownership.
For Lanchester Wines, the union presented an opportunity to add a deeply respected high end producer and, for Moutard, the chance to join a dynamic business with a growing premium portfolio. Two years on, the Champagne range has been so successful that the relationship is taking another step, extending to a tranche of Burgundy wines and even a somewhat rare Ratafia.
Moutard is relatively unusual in that it is a long-established Champagne house that also makes still wines at scale. In 2004, François Moutard purchased land and vineyards in Burgundy, marking the expansion of the family’s winemaking expertise beyond their historic roots in Champagne.
François Moutard says it was keen to expand its production and its opportunities outside of Champagne with still wines in Burgundy
This astute acquisition allowed the family to craft wines that express the unique terroirs of Burgundy, riding the wave in popularity for such wines, while maintaining their traditional business, a relatively short distance away in a neighbouring region.
“Strategically, we were looking to diversify our business into other still and sparkling wines which are complementary to our Champagne,” says François Moutard. “We’re based in Buxeuil (a commune in the Aube, in the south of Champagne), so geographically speaking we are actually closer to the north of Burgundy than Reims or Epernay and it made sense to invest not far from our head office. In Champagne, it is very hard to increase vineyard size as there simply isn’t land available.”
While François remains the family patriarch as chief executive, his son Benoît is now winemaker, exhibiting skills that have been passed down generations of the Moutard family, overseeing a broad portfolio that now extends well beyond Champagne, to Crémant, Pet Nat, still wines, Ratafia and even includes a distillery.
A deepening partnership
Lanchester's James Dainty says it is delighted to see the progress it has been able to make with Famille Moutard over the last two years
For Lanchester Wines’ business manager James Dainty, the new additions to the portfolio signify the deepening of a successful partnership: “I'm thrilled about the launch of Famille Moutard's still wines for several reasons. Firstly, it means our customers can access a robust range of outstanding wines.The demand for Burgundy is evident - in 2023, the region exported approximately 87 million bottles, with the UK being the second-largest market - and this will be our first exclusive Burgundy range, which is quite exciting.
"Secondly, it strengthens our burgeoning relationship with a key supplier we've collaborated with over the past couple of years. Exploring Moutard’s still wines and spirits has been a wonderful opportunity, especially after our team's visit to the Moutard estate, which truly brought the brand and its unique terroir to life.”
Alongside a sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne, the new still wines include two Chablis cuvées: one at village level, the other a premium Premier Cru from Côte de Léchet; two further Burgundy Chardonnay wines, an AOC Bourgogne and a Bourgogne Tonnerre AOC; two Pinot Noir, an AOC Bourgogne and a Gevrey-Chambertin; plus two relatively unusual wines from lesser-known Burgundian varieties, Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc, the latter not a grape usually associated with the region.
“Saint-Bris is the only village appellation in Burgundy which is allowed to grow Sauvignon Blanc. It is an ancestral tradition and because this appellation is part of the Chablisien wine growing area, it makes sense also for us to produce this wine, even if it is a very small production. Many people think Burgundy only produces Chardonnay white wine, so our Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc and our Aligoté make great alternative whites.” says François Moutard.
Some of the Burgundy wines from Famille Moutard
Dainty is a fan of the Saint-Bris, pointing out that it is perhaps less of a surprise than it first appears: “Geographically, it’s actually less than 60 miles from Sancerre, right on the edge of the Loire Valley. So even though it’s technically in Burgundy, its proximity to the Loire means it has a real Sauvignon Blanc character, offering something unexpected, yet completely at home in this part of France.”
He also singles out a couple of other wines from the new selection: “I’ve really enjoyed the Bourgogne rouge, excellently made and enchanting, with vibrant red fruit, earthy nuances and silky tannins, showcasing the finesse and complexity for which Burgundy Pinot Noir is celebrated. And, also the Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet, which highlights the power and elegance of its site. Its zesty acidity, layered stone fruit and refined saline finish make it a must for lovers of Burgundian white.”
A Ratafia first
Famille Moutard is also making Ratafia - a specialist liquer - that is opening up new hospitality opportunities for Lanchester Wines
Famille Moutard is relatively unusual for a Champagne house in that it specialises in heritage varieties that extend beyond the classic trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
The Saveur Ratafia Champenois Six Cépages is a blend of six grapes - Arbane, Chardonnay, Petite Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir - distilled into a sweet, artisanal liqueur. It marks a first for Lanchester Wines, which has never had a Ratafia in its portfolio before.
“It is an ancestral preservation method, a sophisticated liqueur. We use grape juice from the third press and add alcohol to stop fermentation of the yeast, from which we create a delicious beverage that you can drink for aperitif, with cheese and dessert,” says François Moutard.
For Dainty, the Ratafia offers an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary diversity of the Moutard portfolio, as well as the chance for Lanchester Wines to tap into an emerging trend.
He explains: “The family’s expertise extends far beyond winemaking, and its distillery is a perfect example. Tucked away in the cellars beneath the family home in Buxeuil, Alex Moutard (son of François and brother of Benoît), is the guardian of Distillerie Moutard, which has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1892. His skill and dedication continue the Moutard family’s long tradition of precision and passion.
"Ratafia is gaining real momentum in the hospitality sector, and this release taps into that growing trend. Each bottle is made to order, featuring a bespoke label with our customer’s branding and a handwritten note from the distillery, a truly special touch that sets it apart.”
The full range of Famille Moutard’s wines, including Burgundy, Champagne and Ratafia, can be viewed in Lanchester Wines Portfolio. Click here.
You can taste the wines and meet the Lanchester Wines team at ProWein in Hall 12 D10.
Lanchester Wines is a commercial partner to The Buyer. Click here to find out more.
