Boutinot – international winemakers with a passion for terroir
Boutinot is an international wine company with roots in England and a strong presence in France and South Africa, among other countries. The company was founded in 1980 by Paul Boutinot. His story began with a simple frustration: he found the quality of the wines available for his parents' restaurant insufficient and therefore decided to import wine from France himself. This eventually grew into Boutinot Wines.
Boutinot now works with winemakers and viticulturists in various wine regions. The company not only plays a role as a wine selector but also makes its own wine from various 'homes' in the Rhône and South Africa, among other places.
Boutinot in the Rhône
The Rhône is one of the most important wine regions for Boutinot. The company has more than thirty years of experience here and in 2010 bought a winery and vineyards near Cairanne.
Domaine Boutinot has seven vineyards within the borders of Cairanne Cru. Classic Southern Rhône grape varieties such as Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan are cultivated here.
In addition, Boutinot works with local viticulturists to reintroduce traditional grape varieties such as Cinsault and Counoise. In the cellar, traditional techniques and natural yeasts are consciously used.
One of Domaine Boutinot's wine series is called Fide et Arte, Latin for trust and craftsmanship. The accompanying bee symbolizes working in harmony with nature, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
Boutinot in South Africa
South Africa also occupies an important place within Boutinot. The company has been making wine here since 1994. Boutinot now has its own vineyard and winery in Franschhoek and works with winemakers JD Rossouw and Ryno Booysen.
Boutinot also works with grape growers in various parts of the Western Cape. This involves looking not only at large, well-known areas but also at lesser-known locations such as Piekenierskloof.
An important part of the South African approach is searching for specific vineyards and plots that show a clear sense of place and terroir.
Chenin Blanc and natural fermentation
A special detail in the South African story is Chenin Blanc. Boutinot's love for Chenin Blanc from the Loire brought them to South Africa in 1994. The company played a pioneering role there in the use of wild/spontaneous fermentation, a method that is now used by many South African wine producers.
This fits well with Boutinot's philosophy: letting grapes and terroir speak as much as possible while utilizing knowledge and modern winemaking techniques.
Collaborating with viticulturists
An important part of Boutinot is the long-term cooperation with local viticulturists. The company emphasizes that relationships with producers are not just about the short term, but about sustainability and long-term cooperation.
This gives Boutinot an interesting position: the company does not simply look for cheap grapes, but for special places and producers where quality and character are central.
Fun fact
Boutinot actually started from a restaurant. In the 1970s, founder Paul Boutinot was frustrated with the quality of the wine he could buy for his parents' restaurant. He therefore drove a van to France himself to get wine and then sell it in the restaurant. Other restaurateurs soon began asking if he could supply them too. This is how Boutinot Wines was founded in 1980.
Discover Boutinot wines
At Vechtstreek Wijnen, you will find various Boutinot wines from France and South Africa, among other places. Discover the different wine styles and taste how Boutinot seeks character, quality, and terroir in diverse wine regions.