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The Language
Talking
about Pichon Comtesse
It transcends time and actions, kindling memorable emotions.
It is the instrument of destiny, bursting with vitality.
Wine is a living language, with deep roots that have grown
over the centuries.
It is learned and passed on, gradually revealing the nuances
of its linguistic landscape.
“It’s like a precious stone that we keep on sculpting to perfection, and to give the people who love these wines an experience that will leave them starry-eyed with a genuine physical sensation”
Frédéric Rouzaud, Owner & CEO of Champagne Louis Roederer
talk about Pichon Comtesse
talk about Pichon Comtesse
“It’s like a precious stone that we keep on sculpting to perfection, and to give the people who love these wines an experience that will leave them starry-eyed with a genuine physical sensation”
Frédéric Rouzaud, Owner & CEO of Champagne Louis Roederer
Crafted
by family
sagas
Patriarchs, siblings, brokers, barons, countesses
and so many remarkable women, passions and weaknesses…
The story of “Pichon Comtesse”
unfolds like a novel.
Baron Joseph de Pichon-Longueville
(1760 – 1849)
“Born in the reign of Louis XV, Joseph de Pichon-Longueville witnessed France’s three revolutions, five kings, two republics, and one empire. Through his work and commitment over 70 years, Joseph built a magnificent wine estate with 50 hectares under vine.”
David Haziot,
Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, “La passion du vin”
Éditions de La Martinière
The Pichon Longueville estate was later shared equally among his five children.
Virginie de Pichon-Longueville,
Comtesse de Lalande
(1798 – 1882)
Portrait by Perrignon, 1858
“Grey background, black shawl, pale roses. The beauty of the face, neck and shoulders, and hands, purposely displayed, fail to erase her melancholy expression. Virginie lost her sister Sophie, one of the people she loved the most who helped her enormously in making this ‘unforgettable wine’ that she dreamt would be a success.”
Pichon ComtesseHello @Ralph, hello @Clyde! Who wants to tell us what happened in 1980?
Ralph Sand K&L Wine MerchantsThe amazing summer of 1980 at K&L Liquors in Millbrae, California
It was 9am and Clyde showed up holding a bottle of wine…
Clyde Beffa K&L Wine MerchantsI asked Ralph to fetch us two glasses to share my discovery from the day before! Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1978
Ralph Sand K&L Wine MerchantsThe wine was absolutely incredible. Perfectly balanced and remarkably fresh!
Clyde Beffa K&L Wine MerchantsI resolved to change the company’s direction and become a wine merchant…
The employees arrived one by one.
I told Ralph to tell each of them straight away that if they weren’t interested in learning about wine they should find another job!
Pichon ComtesseYou took things quite seriously, then…
Ralph Sand K&L Wine MerchantsIt was this very passion that would change Clyde’s life, his company and all his employees. Nearly 40 years later, K&L Wine Merchants offer over 5,000 wines and have made a name for themselves worldwide…
Clyde Beffa K&L Wine MerchantsSince then, I have visited Bordeaux over 70 times… And become friends with @May Eliane de Lencquesaing
Pichon Comtesse1978 was her first vintage
May Eliane de LencquesaingThat’s right and it was also the start of a great adventure for me too ;)
Pichon ComtesseWas it a happy time?
May Eliane de LencquesaingMy happiest time at Pichon Comtesse was when I had the good fortune to produce the 1982 and 1983 vintages – both fantastic wines!
Pichon ComtesseWine changed Clyde’s life. What about you, what is your greatest passion in life?
May Eliane de LencquesaingArt in all its forms – painting, sculpture, architecture, music, wine! Civilization cannot exist without art.
The Place