The « Culinarian of the Vine »
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a 1st Grand Cru Classé of 1855 in the heart of Sauternes: the wines are delicious, and the place is marvelous. Since 2014, the winery is owned by Silvio Denz, a businessman but also an aesthete. He is also the happy owner of Maison Lalique, the famous crystal glass-making factory, and decided to create a place blending crystal, wine, hospitality, and gastronomy ! It’s finally in 2018 that the hôtel-restaurant opened after works and a lot of historical research. Today, we can’t deny the success.
Welcome to the Lalique Restaurant where the Chef Jerôme Schilling is creating a suspended moment totally inspired by the vineyards of Sauternes: it is why, he gained the title of « Culinarian of the vine ». Jérôme Schilling has always been surrounded by vineyards or wines. He is originally from Alsace and when he did the opening of the Lalique restaurant in 2018, his goal was clear. He wished to highlight the terroir of Sauternes and especially Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey one in every aspect. It is also important that his team is involved in the menu creation which includes the Chef Sommelier… and it is rare enough to be pointed out.
2022 was the consecration’s year: the Chef won the iconic title of MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France), and the restaurant was endowed with two Michelin stars! We then know that the experience will be marvelous, and it is upon arrival with the warm welcome of Julien Cozzi, the manager of Lalique Restaurant team. The place is elegant, designed by Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mongarelli. The fully glazed dining room has a beautiful view on the vineyards and even the ceiling is a “ciel de vigne” with crystal chandeliers.
The menu encompasses a creation around a vintage of Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey: everything inspires the Chef, and he plays with the flavors, colors, textures, scents of the wine to create a unique dish. Then, you will be able to experience a course around the « sarment » (the vines branch) and a vegetarian course using a vegetable growing in Sauternes terroir. Obviously, Sauternes wine is used in the kitchen but also winemaking products: nothing is lost, everything is used. For instance, the first press can be part of the salting and lies can be included in different sauce. Everything is perfect in term of plating: the design and beauty of the dishes are stunning. In addition of this Sauternes obsession, you will be able to discover a signature of Jérôme Schilling: his love for acidity which gives fresh and juicy recipes.
Sauternes wines are marvelous to pair with gastronomy. The Chef Sommelier Logan Guignot-Trufley was also in Alsace at Villa René Lalique Hôtel & Restaurant before joining the Lalique restaurant in Sauternes in 2023. He also has a strong background in wine and like the Chef Schilling, he is into competitions: finalist of Master of Port 2023, semi-finalist of Best Sommelier of France 2024 (the next steps of the competition will take place this autumn, let’s keep our fingers crossed for him !) … With his team, they have a very important role: to (re)educate guests about Sauternes thanks to clever pairings but also cocktails. But don’t get confused, the pairings are not 100% sweet wines: you can follow the advice of the sommeliers and discover gold nuggets from their 2700 wines list !
The Chef Sommelier is also working on different projects like alcohol free drinks for the gastronomical restaurant, and the bar list which has already some amazing exclusivities with Lalique partners. The five stars hotel is a nest, very confidential with few rooms, at 45 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux. You obviously have the Lalique Restaurant, but you can also enjoy La Terrasse de Lafaurie: a summer restaurant open from May to October. They are working around a brasero, and the menu is 39 euros per person. The wine list is delightful and every Wednesday, there is band playing music for you ! Who said Sauternes was boring ?