Domaine Houchart

History & Background

Domaine Houchart is today owned by Geneviève, the wife of Jérôme Quiot, having been originally acquired by her great-grandfather. During the period of the 1850's, Aurelien Houchart was an energetic proprietor and negociant in wine, and created one of the largest domaines in Provence. Amongst the friends of Aurelien Houchart was the famous painter Cezanne, who frequently came to visit. They both remembered their time at school together.

Subsequently his domaine was divided between the five children, with Hilaire Houchart, Geneviève Quiot's grandfather inheriting 123 acres of vines , the cellars and other agricultural buildings. In 2002 Jérôme Quiot bought the Domaine de Verlaque. This 74 acres Domaine was owned by the Houchart family from 1898 till 1941.

Geology

Because of the size of the domaine, 197 acres, it is possible to take full advantages of a wide variety of soil types, with predominantly sandy, chalky soil and deeper beds of clay and silt. This allows adequate drainage of rainfall and ensures the vines are able to produce the best possible quality.