In the genteel, timeless world of Burgundy winemaking, Labouré-Roi is shaking up the status quo. The catalyst for change at Burgundy’s third largest negoçiant house is a youthful, dynamic winemaking team led by C.E.O. Olivier Martin, who joined Laboure Roi in 2003. Under Martin’s direction, heightened emphasis has been placed on Labouré-Roi’s impressive portfolio of Premier and Grand Cru wines. These include Clos des Bouches Chères and Clos de la Baronne, the firm’s prized single vineyards in the appellation of Meursault, and its exclusive long-term contracts covering individual vineyards in other top appellations.

Soon after taking over at the helm, Martin restructured winemaking operations, with the goal of creating a progressive, outward-looking team with an international perspective and work experience. Responsibility for prestige labels was assigned to Thomas Leclère, whose experience includes working alongside the head winemaker at Ets. J-P Moueix in Bordeaux. Leclère is assisted by winemaker Bertrand Straebler and assistant winemaker Charlotte Huber. Additional support is provided by Sabrina Quivet in the newly-created position of Quality & Environment Manager. Quivet advises on far-reaching quality control measures and safety standards, extending from the vineyards to the cellars.

Located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Labouré-Roi winemaking facility is one of the more technically advanced wineries in Burgundy. With a cellaring capacity of 2,000 barrels, the winery supplements the house’s impressive historic cellars. Dating back to the 16th century, the ancient cellars are still used today for the storage and aging of select bottles.

The changes now underway represent an important milestone in the history of Labouré-Roi, which was founded in 1832. Purchased in 1974 by Cottin Frères, Labouré-Roi has enjoyed substantial growth, leading to its present status as Burgundy’s third largest negoçiant house, with an annual turnover of about $70 million and distribution in over 30 countries worldwide.