ERIC BOISSENOT
Decanter|July 2020
He may be happy to maintain a low profile, yet consultant oenologist Eric Boissenot is as highly regarded as they come, appreciated by his many clients for his precision, skill and ability to bring vitality to a wine. James Lawther MW finds out more
James Lawther MW
ERIC BOISSENOT

He is arguably one of the most influential figures in Bordeaux, particularly the Médoc, but apart from industry insiders, few people know of him. He’s reserved rather than outspoken, sensitive rather than thick-skinned, nonchalant in his dress and manner, doesn’t own a great château – though he frequents many – avoids publicity and doesn’t have a chauffeur-driven car. So, who is Eric Boissenot?

The straight-up answer: he’s a consultant oenologist. It’s the ‘to whom’ that raises eyebrows, for among his 150-odd clients, 40 are 1855 classed growths, including first-growth châteaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux, and Mouton Rothschild, plus super-seconds such as Léoville Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou.

On the books, as well, are a host of ‘lesser’ Médoc châteaux that he values just as highly, and a small percentage of overseas clients – Concha y Toro being one example. But it’s not just the names that are important. The style of wine he embodies carries equal weight, with classicism, finesse, and terroir the watchwords.

Father’s footsteps

Boissenot was patently born into the job. His father Jacques was also a highly respected consultant oenologist, who trained and worked with legendary French oenologist Emile Peynaud, so Eric follows an eminent lineage. His youth was spent knocking around with the sons of local growers in the Médoc village of Lamarque where he was born, the harvest a yearly ritual. When he was 14, his father planned to buy 2ha in APs Haut-Médoc and Margaux, and asked him to oversee them. Hence, by the time he started his studies at the Faculty of Oenology in Bordeaux, he’d already notched up six years’ viticultural and winemaking experience.

Denne historien er fra July 2020-utgaven av Decanter.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 2020-utgaven av Decanter.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DECANTERSe alt
Wine lover's guide to ALSACE
Decanter

Wine lover's guide to ALSACE

Pretty postcard villages, delicious food, fascinating history and, of course, excellent wines - this beautiful northeastern corner of France has everything a wine lover could ask for

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
José Pizarro does Christmas Spanish style
Decanter

José Pizarro does Christmas Spanish style

In a Decanter exclusive, the celebrated chef offers up an alternative menu for the seasonal celebration

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
Perfect whiskies for wine lovers at Christmas
Decanter

Perfect whiskies for wine lovers at Christmas

What better gift could there be for a wine and whisky lover than a whisky matured in barrels previously used for wine? Our selection of 12 great bottles shows just why it can be a match made in heaven

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
WHITE CHATEAU
Decanter

WHITE CHATEAU

Hitherto a bit-part player, the white wines of this celebrated southern Rhône region are well placed to find themselves increasingly in the spotlight, as a result of the changing climate conditions. Our Rhône expert recommends 20 of his favourite examples to seek out

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
Chablis 2023
Decanter

Chablis 2023

Variable weather made it challenging at times, but a late hot spell came to the rescue, resulting in plenty of good wines for drinking and for keeping. Having tasted almost 400 Chablis 2023 wines, our expert selects 30 of his favourites, along with five from top producers in neighbouring crus

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
Looking BACK, looking AHEAD
Decanter

Looking BACK, looking AHEAD

As 2024 draws to a close, we asked eight of our regular contributors to nominate their most memorable wine experiences of the year and to reveal what they're anticipating most in their plans for 2025

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
25 TOP SYRAH/SHIRAZ REDS
Decanter

25 TOP SYRAH/SHIRAZ REDS

Two names, a multitude of personalities. For almost two centuries, Syrah has been woven into the fabric of the southern hemisphere's wine world. Today, it makes some of the most exciting and terroir-expressive wines to be found south of equator, with a growing shift towards single-site bottlings

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
A Resource for the World? - Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation's borders
Decanter

A Resource for the World? - Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation's borders

Argentina is unique in the genetic diversity preserved in much of its vine material. With climate change and disease posing increasing threats worldwide, Catena Zapata winery is asking what lessons can be learned to protect vineyards within and beyond the nation’s borders

time-read
8 mins  |
September 2024
Great Cabernets of South America
Decanter

Great Cabernets of South America

Other varieties may hog the limelight across South America, but the world’s most popular grape for red wines has played a critical role in the continent's wine heritage. We trace Cabernet Sauvignon’s story here, and recommend 16 benchmark wines to try

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
PROVENCE by train and bike
Decanter

PROVENCE by train and bike

With rail links to Paris, Nice, Marseilles and beyond, a vast network of cycle paths and quiet roads, and a plethora of historic wine estates, Provence is an ideal destination for an eco-friendly, car-free and carefree) holiday

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024