A Vision of Wine Rooted in Respect for Living Things
In Chavignol, at the heart of the Sancerre appellation, the Bourgeois family cultivates an approach to wine guided by a simple conviction: terroir can only express itself fully when it is respected.
This commitment translates into attentive, patient, and precise viticulture — where every action aims to preserve natural balance and reveal the identity of the soils.
Certified Organic Vineyard
Domaine Henri Bourgeois is now fully certified organic — the result of a commitment built over several years and formalized with the 2023 vintage.
This conversion reflects a profound evolution in our practices, grounded in observation, experience, and a commitment to working in harmony with nature.
Cultivating the Vine with Intention
ORGANIC VITICULTURE AT THE ESTATE RESTS ON CONCRETE PRACTICES:
- use of natural-origin fertilizers
- spontaneous cover crops to foster biodiversity
- soil tillage to encourage deep root development
- precise canopy management
Every intervention is designed to support the natural rhythm of the vine and build a living, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Protecting the Soils, Revealing the Terroirs
At the heart of this approach is the soil.
The Bourgeois family views the vine as the extension of a living soil. Stimulating microbial activity, preserving natural balances, and minimizing inputs allows us to reveal the singularity of each Sancerre terroir with precision.
This approach gives birth to wines that are truer, more balanced, and more faithful to their origin.
Responsible Winemaking
Our environmental commitment extends naturally into the cellar. Winemaking is conducted with a philosophy of minimal intervention, respecting the fruit and the vintage
Alongside this, rigorous management of by-products is in place:
- grape pomace and lees valorization
- specialized effluent treatment
- sorting and recycling of materials
Every step aims to reduce environmental impact while ensuring wine quality.
A Shared Vision — from Sancerre to New Zealand
The commitments upheld in Sancerre find a natural extension at Clos Henri in New Zealand.
The estate is farmed organically and is engaged in biodynamics — a continuity of philosophy: respect the soils, support living things, and reveal the identity of the terroirs.
Two territories, one standard.
Preserve Today, Pass On Tomorrow
Beyond our practices, the Bourgeois family's commitment is a long-term vision.
Preserving the soils, respecting natural balances, and minimizing our environmental footprint is how we ensure that a living vineyard can be passed on to future generations — and how we allow the wines of Sancerre to express their origin with honesty and precision.
Discover our organic wines
The Bourgeois Family’s wines reflect this commitment, offering a precise, balanced, and authentic expression of their terroirs.
FAQ
Organic Farming and Viticulture in Sancerre
Is Domaine Henri Bourgeois certified organic?
Is Domaine Henri Bourgeois certified organic?
Yes, the estate has been certified organic since the 2023 vintage.
What does an organic wine in Sancerre mean?
What does an organic wine in Sancerre mean?
An organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic chemicals, respecting the soil and natural balances.
Why practice organic farming?
Why practice organic farming?
The goal is to preserve biodiversity, improve soil quality, and allow the terroir to express itself more fully.
Are organic wines different?
Are organic wines different?
Yes, they often offer a more precise and faithful expression of the terroir, with a less interventionist approach.
Is Clos Henri also committed to this approach?
Is Clos Henri also committed to this approach?
Yes, the Clos Henri estate in New Zealand is certified organic and committed to biodynamic farming.