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The theme of this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival is France, a country whose wines many are familiar with.
Given the timing, we thought it a perfect opportunity to explore a winemaking connection within the country that not everyone might know. And it has a stylish tie.
There’s a common thread between fashion and wine.
Both outlets of fabrication that see a rather singular creative vision produce a complex outcome, a number of parallels can be drawn between the two industries.
Perhaps it is the commonalities between turning a bolt of fabric and spool of thread into a finished garment and a bundle of grapes into a fine wine, that first drew the luxury French fashion house Chanel into the world of wine.
According to Nicolas Audebert, general manager for Les Vignobles at Chanel, the company’s “discreet presence in the winemaking world” has been driven by a commitment to preserving craftsmanship.
Nicolas Audebert, general manager for Les Vignobles at Chanel.
Owned by brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, Chanel was founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel. The company operates a standalone fashion boutique in Toronto, a standalone beauty boutique in Montreal, as well as several boutiques across Canada in Holt Renfrew stores.
While many are familiar with the its fragrances including Chanel No.5 and Coco Mademoiselle, beauty such as its Rouge Allure lipstick, the iconic diamond-quilted handbags, and timeless tweed jackets, wine is an avenue of the company’s operations that many are not familiar with.
With four French wineries in its portfolio — Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Canon, Château Berliquet, and Domaine de l’Ile — the company’s Les Vignobles division has been in operation since 1994.
“Each estate shares a common ambition: to celebrate the uniqueness of their terroirs with precision and dedication, producing wines with distinctive character,” explains Audebert. “Rooted in the historic regions of Bordeaux and Provence, Les Vignobles embodies Chanel’s long-term vision and its desire to cultivate and promote a unique viticultural heritage, united by authenticity and excellence.”
Spearheading sustainable shifts at the wineries for more than 10 years, Audebert notes the estates have all been certified organic as of the 2024 vintage.
This year, Chanel is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its connection with Château Canon.
Vines at Château Canon in Bordeaux, France.
“The acquisition of Château Canon in 1996 was above all the recognition of an extraordinary terroir, situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion,” Audebert says. “Chanel was inspired by the estate’s centuries-old heritage and the singular identity of its wines, celebrated for their finesse, elegance, and remarkable aging potential.”
Select wines from Château Canon such as the St. Emilion (UPC: 03770016115308, $275) are available at wine stores across Canada.
A longtime winemaker, Audebert says French wines stand out because of their “deep connection to terroir” — the combination of soil, climate, and savoir-faire.
“This sense of place is at the heart of French winemaking, resulting in a remarkable diversity of styles and expressions,” Audebert says. “The centuries-old history, rich traditions, and continuous pursuit of quality further contribute to the uniqueness of French wines, offering a profound sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that is recognized worldwide.”
Noting he most enjoys “the constant interplay between nature and human creativity” when creating wine, Audebert calls out the “patience and intuition” required to succeed in the particular field.
“There is great satisfaction in accompanying the grapes from vine to bottle, and witnessing how the personality of a place can be captured and shared through wine,” he says. “The process is both humbling and inspiring, and the joy comes from crafting something truly unique, year after year.”
Aharris@postmedia.com
Dining and Cooking