The Cognard Estate: A Family Story in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Our History, from 1974 to the Present
1974: The Beginnings of the Family Business
The family business began with just 1 hectare of vineyards. Estelle Cognard was born that same year.
To set himself apart, Max Cognard chose to name his first vintage *Les Malgagnes* (the parcel’s cadastral name) and to steer clear of the “young & old vines” trend.
1978: Rodolphe is born
Rodolphe, a future winemaker, is born.
1985 An air-conditioned wine cellar and stainless-steel tanks
Construction of a climate-controlled wine cellar to prevent temperatures from rising in the summer, and installation of stainless steel tanks.
In addition, the vineyard covers an area of 7 hectares.
1997: Estelle's Return
Estelle is returning to the company.
Temperature-controlled tanks are installed in the winery.
2001 Rodolphe joined the farm
Rodolphe decides to join the farm.
The old wine cellars have been renovated into a tasting room.
2010 A New Storage Cellar
Construction of a wine storage facility and a warehouse, as wine production was becoming increasingly substantial.
2013: Estelle and Rodolphe took over the estate
Lydie and Max have retired, but they're active retirees!
Estelle and Rodolphe are officially taking over the estate.
2016: End of chemical weed control
We have stopped using chemical weed control; we till our soil 100% mechanically.
2017: Start of the transition to organic farming
Start of the transition to organic farming.
2018: Rodolphe's Death
Rodolphe has passed away after a long battle with illness. He passed on his love for the craft, his talent for viticulture and winemaking, and thanks to his detailed notes from various vintages, we continue to follow in his footsteps, crafting fine, elegant wines that reflect the spirit of our estate.
2020 Organic Farming Certification
Official Certification in Organic Farming.
2023 The Next Generation Is Here
Flavien, Estelle's son, is returning to the company. The next generation is all set!
Lydie and Max, active retirees
Since retiring, Lydie has owned a vacation rental called “Le Berlot ” in Benais. She now spends most of her time there. Max, for his part, helps out in the vineyards from time to time.
- 1379 route du Carroi Taveau Lieu-dit Chevrette37140 ST NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL
- vins.cognard@orange.fr
- 02 47 97 76 88