Julien ALTABER

At Sextant, near Saint-Aubin, the grapes are 100% organic: 80% purchased and 20% from Winery Derain. Julien was not born in Burgundy like many of the great Burgundian winegrowers, but in the Auvergne, as the son of a dairy farmer. He would certainly have taken up his father's profession if his mother had not insisted that he attend a business school specialising in wine. His mother's dream was to see her son become a salesman for the great estates of this world, but Julien, a young man of character, preferred to fly on his own wings, and therefore to own his own vineyards! This is impossible in Burgundy, where the land is so expensive and the available vines do not correspond to the quality criteria sought... During this period of intense research, Julien met a colourful character: Dominique Derain. The two thieves reached an agreement. Julien became Dominique's assistant in the cellar and in the vineyards, and Dominique helped him to find interesting plots of land. Julien spent more than 10 years there! In 2007, Julien started a small wine business with organic grapes.

In 2011, the two friends find for Julien a few ares (75) of very old, unclogged Aligoté vines near Puligny! In 2012, he acquires some pinot noir vines. In 2013, Julien becomes completely self-employed by buying a winery. Between his vines and his business, Julien can live. In the cellar, minimal handling, spontaneous fermentation, sulphur generally avoided and if, after racking. Maturing in barrels of at least 5 years old, unfiltered wines. To put it plainly, if it is necessary to say so, the work is done to bring the wines to great finesse and a great brilliance.

Julien and Carole Altaber have taken over Winery from Dominique Derain since December 2016. This Winery is called Winery Derain