EXPANSION OF THE BUSINESS

THE DUTCH BRAND EXPANSION OF THE BUSINESS

A little story: the «Marque Hollandaise» (Dutch brand) is the name given to Monbazillac wines sold in the Netherlands and marketed under the name of their producer or place of origin. In the Netherlands, this wine was called «Muscat wines», «Grand vin de Bergerac» or «Madère du Périgord».

Thirty-two estates were allowed to sell their wines with the «Dutch brand» stamp. Barrels of wine were transported to Bordeaux on «gabarres», flat-bottomed boats that travelled down Dordogne’s River. The wine was then transported to Holland by merchant ships.

When these ships entered the port of Rotterdam, their arrival was announced with the sound of a horn.

Jean Alard, who had become accustomed to the relationship with Holland, very quickly assimilated the fervour, interest and nobility accorded to Monbazillac wines. He took the initiative to participate in the development of this trade and created his brand «Sorbier Secrétaire deux fois». He stamped his seal on the bottom of his barrels (a guarantee of authenticity) and thus contributed to the reputation of the «Monbazillac» appellation.

In his 1903 edition of «Bergerac and its wines», Edouard Féret cites 32 Dutch brands, including «Sorbier Secrétaire 2 fois» (a brand owned by the Alard family)

To facilitate transport between the vineyards and the port of Bergerac, Jean built improvements around the buildings to facilitate the movement of the ploughs. He also created new vintages and extended the trade in his red wines to Holland.

Edouard Féret reports that at that time the Domaine de Theulet exported 400 barrels of red wine for every 10 barrels of white wine.