Château La Dominique: Clément Fayat
Clément Fayat was originally a construction worker from Corrèze who had come to Bordeaux shortly after World War II. A decade later he started up a construction company in Libourne, in 1957, with a focus on road-building. He enjoyed great success, and went on to establish one of France’s largest family-owned companies. Networking with other old Corrèzians who came to the region, however, they advised him that if he really wanted to settle in the region, and to be part of it rather than a mere observer, he should buy vineyards. He seems to have taken their advice to heart, as in 1969 he purchased Château La Dominique.
As already noted, the estate was fairly dilapidated by this time, and there was a need both to recreate the vineyard, and to establish new winemaking facilities. New field drains were installed in the vines, and a programme of replanting began; Fayat began by tackling just 1 hectare each year, and thus slowly he brought the domaine back to life. The old wooden vats were stripped out, and the wood reclaimed; the staves were handed to a local craftsman who used the wood to refashion the windows and doors of the château. And then new stainless steel vats arrived to replace these old vessels in 1975, with a subsequent upgrade many years later.
