History of House Légier
Our family property is located in Grande Champagne, in the village of Criteuil La Magdeleine. The house is what we call a “logis”, which is typical for the Charente. It is known as the Logis de Barbe.
The existence of a chateau isn’t mentioned in the history of the village of Criteuil. However, the parish had three mansions: la Mothe, l’Épine and Barbe.
The Logis de Barbe is mentioned in the history book (only available in French) called: “Château, Logis et demeures anciennes de la Charente” published by Librairie Bruno Sepulchre.
« Au début du XVIIème siècle, en 1610, Philippe Couraud, marchand, époux de Dame Marie Phelip, possède le fief appelé le Mayene-Barbe.
Le 17 août 1741, Dame Marie de La Porte, veuve de Messire Jacques Prévost, sieur de Goutier, demeurant au lieu de Barbe, paroisse de Criteuil, rédige son testament.
Au XVIIIème siècle, Barbe est possédé par une ancienne famille de Saintonge, les Priqué de Guippeville.
L’ancien logis a laissé place, en 1836, à une belle demeure du plus pur style Charentais. »
My great-grandparents were wine growers, so wine growing has always run the family. Then my grandparents took over my great-grandparents’ business before settling here and starting to make Cognac.
My father also was a wine grower and was active for 40 years.
I am proud to take over the family business and represent the 4th generation of wine growers.