From the press release:
The Domaine is spread over 20 hectares in the best terroirs, amongst them, four grand crus: Les Clos, Les
Preuses, Vaudesir and Les Blanchots, and four premiers crus: Montée de Tonnerre, Mont-de-Milieu,
Fourchaume and Vaillons.
Here’s a link to the full press release.
crazy news. At least the domaine is in able hands.
Didn’t see that coming. But it’s a very interesting asset, one that Faiveley ought to be able to make good use of. In Erwan’s hands they’ve made some very interesting moves forward in recent years…
The Asia Pacific Sales Manager hinted at this a few weeks ago during a tasting here in Wellington. If Bernard Hervet does a similar job to what was done at Fevre I think this is good news.
Seems like a good move for Faiveley. I love Billaud-Simon, but perhaps with greater resources behind it they can reach even greater heights. At least I hope so.
FYI- this interview was posted about a month ago on the front page of wine-searcher, top article. Erwan would have been likely in some sort of negotiations by this point so he was clear on his intentions and desires for Chablis…
(Pasted only in part…)
Q&A: Erwan Faiveley
© Tim Atkin MW | Erwan Faiveley wants to expand into Chablis
Interview by Adam Lechmere
Posted Monday, 23-Jun-2014
Are there any more acquisitions to come?
I have realized that there is no further opportunity for me to invest in much of Burgundy – the price of land is so high there is just no return. We are seeing more investors interested in buying tiny parcels of top domaines, which drives the prices up. And, as they’re not going to make their wines themselves, I would be happy to farm and vinify the vineyards.
What about elsewhere?
I would love to buy something in Chablis. This is a region that, 20 years from now, people will realize the potential there – look at what Burgundy was 20 years ago. I can only see Chablis getting better. If global warming is reality then it will be outstanding. We’ve been talking about buying there for years, and have looked at a few things but there aren’t many good domaines in Chablis and the few that are still independent are complicated to approach.
Have you thought of going to the New World?
There are some very strong personalities in terms of terroir in Oregon and New Zealand. But [the latter] is too far from everything and, even though Oregon is very interesting, I wouldn’t go there because life is too short and I’m not sure I’d have fun.
And the low point?
So far, not having been able to find something interesting in Chablis. But to be honest I’m very happy. I don’t want to sound proud but I’m happy with what we have done. We are in a good place, and we got here without rushing.
If I had to guess Bernard Hervet is one of Erwan’s decision to expand into Chablis and why not …since they had already increase their holding of white in CdB.
Good pickup Luke, I remembered reading that interview but I couldn’t place where it was. Thanks for digging it up.
Very interesting news. From my very limited samples I’ve really liked Billaud-Simon but have liked recent Faiveley whites at least as much.
What about the prices…will they go up or down 
Thx- it took me a sec as well. I have found the wine articles (ESP. the interviews) on wine-searcher decent and you can use the search box to go back and grab old ones.
FWIW- I personally have been buying alot more Chablis as the QPR versus the current short crops in Burgundy have a real price descrepancy for those who are looking to enjoy drinking their whites without undue wallet guilt. Infact, I happened to drink a 06 Billaud Les Clos just two days ago and with ample air, it was very nice. So, I think Erwan is on to smart long term trend.
Wine prices, like housing prices, only go up. too
Yes - up and up. I have been bying the new Faiveley reds since vintage 2005-2006 but so far …not his whites.
hmm. I thought the new regime started w 2007
You are right Alan. The complete transition took approximately 2 year.
Erwan at first did not want to took over from his father as they have different vision about wines.
I was told that it was the first time in the 7th Generation of Faiveley family that Erwan has a older sister ( plus a older brother ). Erwan, being the youngest, received all the love from his mom.
So finally in 2005 Erwan’s mother conviced her husband to go South for vacation. So Erwan took over the CEO position and immediately hired Bernard ( from Bouchard ) as his right-hand man.
As Faiveley is so huge ( with 2 operations in Mercurey and NStG ) it took them a while for the style of their wines to change. Their Mercurey - Les Framboisiere 2005 and 2006 are like day and night. Same for their CdCorton 2006 and 2007.
Ah ha, ha, ha.