Introducing Julien Pineau, New Proprietor at Clos Roche Blanche!
9/27/16 -
2014 was the last vintage at Clos Roche Blanche, the estate inherited by Catherine Roussel from her grandfather and managed by Catherine and Didier Barouillet. It was one of the most important estates in the Loire Valley and an inspiration to young vignerons who followed their conversion to organic and biodynamic farming and more natural methods of winemaking. A succession was uncertain until Julien Pineau (already working at the estate) and Laurent Saillard (then working with Noella Morantin) were each able to purchase half the vines and begin making wine in 2015. Julien had "discovered" wine while doing harvest with Bertrand Jousset in Montlouis, then took a viticulture degree in Amboise and worked with Jean-Christophe Comor in Provence. Returning to the Loire, Julien worked a year at CRB under Didier before purchasing his half of the estate - and though Catherine and Didier "retired," they both worked for Julien during the 2015 harvest! Julien's plans for the beautiful Clos include planting Menu Pineau and fruit trees. "Our goal is to have more than just vines in the Clos: different fruit trees and vegetable patches, but also livestock to diversify this already incredible eco-system even more."
