Château de Sales, a venerable institution in the Pomerol wine region, is embarking on a new chapter with the arrival of Marie-Laure Latorre as its new general manager. Her appointment, effective September 1st, marks a pivotal moment for the estate, which has been under continuous family ownership since 1578. Latorre’s extensive background in the fine wine sector, encompassing both retail and vineyard management, positions her to lead Château de Sales into an era of continued excellence and sustainable growth. This transition underscores the estate's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing innovation in viticulture and winemaking. The change at Château de Sales also coincides with other significant developments within the Pomerol appellation, highlighting a dynamic period for the region's esteemed wineries.
This strategic leadership change comes as Château de Sales continues to gain recognition for its distinctive terroir and varietal composition, which includes an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon for Pomerol. This unique blend has proven advantageous in adapting to changing climatic conditions, contributing to the estate's recent successes. The previous general manager, Vincent Montigaud, played a crucial role in enhancing production methods, focusing on optimal ripeness and precise extraction, thereby elevating the quality and character of the wines. Latorre's mandate is to build upon this strong foundation, ensuring the estate's commitment to its historical identity and high environmental standards remains paramount. Her arrival is anticipated to further refine the estate's viticultural practices, resulting in even more nuanced and expressive wines that reflect the unique essence of Château de Sales.
A New Chapter for Château de Sales
Château de Sales, a historic Pomerol estate, recently announced the appointment of Marie-Laure Latorre as its new general manager, commencing on September 1st. With over two decades of experience in the fine wine sector, Latorre is poised to lead the estate into a new phase. Her background includes significant roles at Système U and Vignobles Olivier Decelle, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of both the commercial and production aspects of the wine industry. This strategic hire reflects Château de Sales' commitment to maintaining its esteemed reputation while also pursuing further innovation and sustainability in its operations.
Marie-Laure Latorre’s new role at Château de Sales will involve promoting the iconic site while honoring its core values, rich history, and stringent environmental protocols. Her predecessor, Vincent Montigaud, dedicated over seven years to refining the estate's production methods, focusing on achieving optimal ripeness and precision in extraction. Latorre aims to build on this legacy, collaborating closely with Nicolas de Lambert des Granges, the president of Château de Sales, to uphold the estate’s momentum. Her mission emphasizes a dedication to high standards, energy, and a profound passion for the esteemed property, ensuring that Château de Sales continues to produce wines that embody elegance, fruitiness, and precision.
Leadership Transition and Regional Impact
The transition in leadership at Château de Sales is a significant event within the Pomerol wine community, following a period of substantial advancements under the previous general manager. Marie-Laure Latorre, an agricultural engineer and oenologist, brings a wealth of expertise gained from diverse roles within the fine wine industry. Her appointment highlights the estate’s dedication to continued improvement and innovation, ensuring that its traditional practices are complemented by modern expertise. This leadership change comes at a time when the broader Pomerol region is experiencing notable shifts, underscoring the importance of forward-thinking management in maintaining competitive advantage and regional prestige.
The arrival of Marie-Laure Latorre at Château de Sales signifies a commitment to further enhancing the estate's reputation for crafting exceptional wines. Nicolas de Lambert des Granges expressed his enthusiasm for Latorre's appointment, citing her extensive experience, discerning palate, and interpersonal skills as crucial assets for the estate's future. He anticipates that her leadership will foster continued progress in viticulture that is increasingly environmentally conscious, resulting in wines that are even more refined, expressive of their fruit, and elegant. This significant appointment, alongside other recent developments within the Pomerol appellation, such as the withdrawal of Château Lafleur's wines from the appellation system, indicates a period of dynamic evolution and strategic realignment within this prestigious winemaking region.