Multi award-winning 5th generation Burgundian winemaker, Laurent Delaunay, has launched a groundbreaking, eponymous new range, Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages, developed to disrupt the Burgundy category offering classic wines from Burgundy along with several from Beaujolais at an affordable price point. Designed to appeal to both existing Burgundy lovers and newcomers to the category, this innovative range combines the region’s traditional winemaking heritage with a fresh, modern approach, to create accessible, terroir-led wines, bottled in standout packaging that brings a touch of haute-couture to retail shelves.
Featuring eight skus, including an elegant Pinot Noir, a selection of Gamays Beaujolais and mineral-driven, balanced Chardonnays from some of Burgundy and also neighbouring Beaujolais’ most recognised appellations, Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages aims to make a region which can often seem impenetrable to consumers, both affordable and approachable.
“Our goal with this range is to open up the Burgundy category up to a wider audience,” says Laurent Delaunay, “Burgundy is fascinating, but its offerings can sometimes feel complicated and exclusive. Too often, quality wines come with high price tags. With Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages, we want to give consumers a way into the category by offering authentic Burgundy and Beaujolais wines with a modern twist but at an accessible price point. I feel strongly that regional appellation wines from Burgundy should not just be a luxury item. ”
A renowned oenologist known for disrupting the status quo by identifying future consumer wine trends, Delaunay saw the potential for an affordable, modern Burgundy brand destined for multiple grocers both in the UK and in international markets. Adopting a market-driven approach to creating the range has already proved successful, with multiple retailers including Total Wine in the US and Morrisons in the UK, quick to list the newly released wines. In the UK, the Chablis will be followed at Morrison by the Fleurie from Beaujolais which will reach shelves in the spring.
By combining his knowledge and understanding of consumer trends and the preferences of the contemporary consumer palate, Laurent Delaunay has created a range which pairs timeless Burgundian heritage with cutting edge winemaking innovation at a consumer-friendly price point. This juxtaposition of tradition and modernity also carries through to the packaging of the Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages range. Each bottle is cloaked in the classic French Toile de Jouy print – a symbol of timeless French craftmanship and Art de Vivre and a perennial favourite of luxury fashion houses which is currently being featured by Dior.
Les Grappillages is named after the Middle Age tradition of handpicking grapes from the finest vineyard parcels and now Laurent Delaunay as a Negociant Eleveur carries on this practice as he carefully selects and ages the very best parcels to go into his new eponymous Burgundian range.
Laurent Delaunay Les Grappillages Chablis 2023 is available now at Morrisons rrp £18.00.