Julien Pineau

Originally from Tours, Julien Pineau's early years studying law and sociology would have bored him to death professionally. After some globetrotting adventures teaching in Seattle and Sicily, Julien returned to France, paying the bills through odd jobs like fruit picking and geology research. His eureka wine moment came during harvest at Lise and Bertrand Jousset's in Montlouis. Though Bertrand pushed viticulture school, Julien dreamed of opening a wine bar or restaurant like his chef father. Yet after helping in the vines, Julien became enchanted by the plants, soils and insects inhabiting the land. 
When Catherine Roussel wanted to sell her legendary Clos Roche Blanche, Julien and partner Laurent Saillard jumped at the chance. The 12 hectares split evenly between them, Julien now works with Sauvignon Blanc, Côt, Cabernet Franc and more. Respecting the great terroir, Julien farms by horse, letting hundreds of plants and insects thrive. With his agronomist wife, fruit trees and animals are planned to push polyculture further! In the cellar, no sulfur is added and wines age 12-24 months before release. Needless to say, Julien found his true calling in the vines.