Experienced oenologist Jacques Devauges has been appointed technical director at the prestigious Burgundy vineyard Domaine de l'Arlot in Nuits-Saint-Georges.

The estate has been looking for a suitable candidate for the position since Olivier Leriche vacated the role early this month.

Mr Leriche's had been a big loss for the company, for whom he had been working since 1998, but Domaine de l'Arlot wished him well as he started a new project as owner of his own Burgundy vineyard.

Jacques Devauges has previously worked at Maison Frederic Magnien and Domaine Michel Magnien in Morey Saint-Denis, and Domaine de la Vougeraie prior to that.

Christian Seely, managing director of the estate's parent company AXA Millesimes, said: "It has been a pleasure working with Olivier at l'Arlot over the past few years, and we all wish him well in his new personal venture.

"I am delighted that we have found in Jacques Devauges someone perfectly qualified to take the responsibility of looking after this wonderful property."

Domaine de l'Arlot was created in 1987 by insurance giant AXA.