Maison Lalique, one of the crown jewels of the French crystal industry and an international lifestyle icon, is adding to its world of prestige hotel addresses. After Villa Rene Lalique in 2015 (a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection and five-star hotel) and Château Hochberg by Lalique in 2016, both located in Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace, the third establishment is a sumptuous hotel and restaurant in the Sauternes region, where there is the greatest concentration of first-growth terroirs (Premiers Grands Crus Classes).
On the initiative of Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, a hotel and restaurant is set to open its doors to celebrate Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey’s 400th anniversary. The new venture will see four worlds converge: wine, crystal, gastronomy and hospitality, all combining to serve art and the senses. The only rules are those of savoir-faire, rigour and passion – with emotional engagement as their common purpose.
“I am delighted at the opening of this Hotel & Restaurant LALIQUE in the greatest first- growth terroir. I want to make staying at our hotels a truly memorable experience, sharing our unique heritage and evoking the emotions created by a Premier Cru Classe.”
— SILVIO DENZ
This fabulous setting offers three suites and ten rooms. Their decoration was entrusted to designers Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mingarelli, who created the Lalique Maison collection of furniture and accessories. Jerome Schilling – the former executive chef at the Villa Rene Lalique restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars – has taken charge of the new restaurant at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, to which a glazed extension looking out onto the vineyard has been added under the guiding hand of Mario Botta, the internationally renowned Swiss architect. Jerome Schilling will work at the head of a brigade of ten, including talented pastry chef Stephane Corolleur. Alongside him, head sommelier Adrien Cascio has worked closely with Romain Iltis to create an ambitious wine list: a selection of 2500 wines including both promising young contenders and venerable classics, mainly from Bordeaux, but also from California and other regions. Hotel Director Christophe Noulibos, with nearly a decade of professional experience in the luxury hotel sector, ensures the highest standards of hospitality and fosters his teams’ talents.
The alterations and improvements were overseen by Mario Botta, whose advice was sought to ensure a contrasting but harmonious whole: a contemporary aesthetic, but true to the spirit of the original building. Mario Botta is currently working on a spa project for the château planned for 2020.
THE RESTAURANT, AN ODE TO TOTAL REFINEMENT
Heading through reception into the main building, which dates from the 17th century, you first enter a subdued and cosy room. This is followed by a modern extension, based on an original concept and design by Mario Botta that fits perfectly within the peaceful setting of the vineyard.
This conservatory with its delicate metal frame has a contemporary feel. The space, with a capacity of 40 covers, gradually reveals its splendours: the ceiling is decorated with 120 Champs-Elysees leaves in gleaming gold crystal; other iconic Lalique pieces stand on console tables.
CELLAR TREASURES
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey’s four underground cellars are home to a collection of red and white wines, including venerable classics and exceptional nectars: “Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a treasury of old vintages going back as far as 1893, the colours of which range from amber to tile red”, Silvio Denz enthusiastically explains. A heritage of 350,000 bottles which visitors can admire.
“Taking the ethos of the Lalique crystal works as our example, we have designed a wine list for the Hotel & Restaurant Lalique that represents excellence and embraces the world.”
— ADRIEN CASCIO
WINE BOUTIQUE
At the heart of the chateau, the wine boutique offers Vignobles Silvio Denz wines for purchase, along with Lalique items designed for wine service (accessories and tableware).
