Domaine des Aubuisières: Bernard Fouquet
It was not until the 1980s that the transition from father to son occurred; Bernard had been busy buffing up his curriculum vitae with experience working in both Alsace and Burgundy. It was only after he returned to the Loire that he established Domaine des Aubuisières, starting only with a few inherited parcels of vines, in 1982.
This was a time of renewed enthusiasm and reinvigoration for Vouvray; Bernard Fouquet was one of a new generation who swept into the appellation in the early 1980s; it was at this time that Philippe Foreau took over from his father André, the late François Pinon took over from his father, and that Didier and Catherine Champalou established their eponymous domaine. All four domaines weathered some difficult times in the early 1980s, especially the challenging 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1984 vintages, although thankfully there was a let up in the pressure with some more favourable vintages to come, in particular 1986.
And then came 1989 and 1990 of course, and suddenly the worth of these new arrivals in the commune was apparent for all to see. Bernard crafted a portfolio of superb wines in these vintages; wines such as the 1989 and 1990 Le Marigny Moelleux, and the 1990 Cuvée Alexandre were stunningly good, and in the eyes of many Bernard Fouquet (as well as Didier and Catherine Champalou) quickly ascended to the very top tier in the appellation.
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