Audebert to head up Rauzan-Ségla and Canon

French winemaker Nicolas Audebert is to leave Cheval des Andes in Argentina to become the managing director of Château Rauzan-Ségla and Canon in Bordeaux.

Audebert, who has worked as chief winemaker of LVMH-owned Cheval des Andes – a joint venture between Terrazas de los Andes and Château Cheval Blanc – for the past eight years, will move to Bordeaux in September.

“Malbec arrived in Mendoza from Bordeaux more than 150 years ago. I am taking the same route back to my roots; back to France,” Audebert said in an email statement.

“I am leaving Argentina after 10 years of incredible adventure. A new one is starting for me now. I’m a lucky man as I have been offered the opportunity to lead two fantastic châteaux, one in Margaux, the other in Saint-Emilion.

“I will put all my passion and expertise into this new challenge at the service of the two historical properties,” he added.

Audebert is expected to begin his role working alongside John Kolasa, the current director of the two Chanel-owned estates, before taking over as director when Kolasa retires.

Scotland-born Kolasa has directed Margaux second growth Rauzan-Ségla since 1994 and Saint-Emilion premier grand cru classé Château Canon since 1996.