de Ladoucette, Loire Valley

 “One person has influenced much of the current wine reputation of France’s Loire Valley: Patrick de Ladoucette.”

The largest and most famous Pouilly-Fumé vineyards have been in the hands of the Comte Lafond and Ladoucette families since 1787 when the Comte Lafond purchased the estate from the illegitimate daughter of the French king, Louis XV. 

The estate is now owned by Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, a descendant of the Comte Lafond, and his Pouilly Fumé has earned a reputation as one of the world’s great white wines. 

After taking over Ladoucette in 1972, the Baron extended his activities to Sancerre, Vouvray and Chinon.