The Gueguen (gay-gann) family is based in the hamlet of Préhy, just 7 km south west of Chablis. Céline is the daughter of one of Chablis’ largest producers – Jean-Marc Brocard. For 15 years, her husband Frédéric has been a wine-maker in two important renowned domaines in Chablis, firstly Domaine Durup and then as manager of the Domaine Brocard.
In January 2013, Fred and Céline followed their passions, and they set off on their own. They were able to purchase a number of excellent vineyard parcels, including some very nice pieces of well-situated Chablis and two Chablis 1er Crus, and Domaine Gueguen was born.
They have 54 acres all told, with holdings primarily in the Chablis villages of Préhy (where they live), Chichée, and La Chapelle Vaupelteigne (where Fred’s family is from.) Chardonnay from these three sites combine to make an excellent example of what Chablis is all about – crisp, bright fruit, laser-pure acidity, notes of iodine and crushed rock, and a whiff of salty sea air on the nose.
Frédéric and Celine are meticulous vignerons, very attentive farmers whose vines are clearly well-tended. In the winery, they are very old-school and hands-off. No wood, no magic tricks, just pure and classic Chablis.