Discover the Castle Jeandeman in Fronsac with Winetourbooking

Among all the chateaux Wine Tour Booking has selected for your delectation, one of them particularly captivated me, largely because of the owners’ personalities. I’m speaking about Chateau Jeandeman in Fronsac which belongs to Bénédicte et Jean Trocard, a couple of young 40-somethings.

It’s impossible not to be seduced on meeting these proprietors. Their warmth and sincerity would brighten anyone’s day. And there’s no nonsense with them; a firm handshake and they look you straight in the eye, obviously delighted to see you. First is Jean, the manager of the place, and he is unequalled in putting you at your ease, greeting all his visitors with such kindness and simplicity that everyone feels instantly at home. Proud of his rugby playing past he’s prouder still of his wines. Bordeaux wine producers are reputed to be haughty and arrogant, but there’s nothing like that about him. Respectful and passionate, Jean very quickly draws you into his universe;that of a proprietor who treats his vines much like part of his family.

At his side you will also meet an exceptional woman, a Barbara Gould type woman some would say. But far from being content to be merely her husband’s muse, Bénédicte too is right on the frontline in running of the family business. The real pillar of the couple, combining finesse, charisma and knowledge. Oenologist by profession, she has managed to earn her place in what is largely a man’s world. Wine is very much a science for her and it is one she makes accessible to the layman. Should you need further convincing, I urge you to look at her recent encounter with Norbert, one of the Top Chef finalists. Just like him you’ll fall under her charm and lap up her every word, just as you would a great wine.

Vineyard in Fronsac

In rugby they say that to have a great team you must first have a great front line. At Château Jeandeman, the two frontrunners certainly meet this requirement !

Actually I’ve hardly mentioned their wine but you can be sure it’s exactly like them : generous, warm, full of finesse and sincerity.

As I write this the semi-final of the European rugby cup is about to start and thanks to those two I already feel as though I’m halfway there!