Catheriene & Dominique outside the old Presbytery in St Aubin

Catherine & Dominique Derain are the epitome of what natural wine making is all about. From the first year of production back in 1998 they have set out their beliefs in organic and biodynamic viticulture and the natural winemaking practice.

As you can imagine at this time these beliefs went against the norm for winemakers but they stuck to their beliefs and it looks like now their hardwork and efforts are being recognized at the highest levels. I met Catherine & Dominique in September 2006, it was a very clear autumn morning and all the vineyards around Saint Aubin had turned into a spectrum of colour from yellow through to pink and dark reds. The small parcels of land are managed with the long term health of the soils and vines in mind.

Great colours in the vineyard - a beautiful place to spend some time.

The winery is located in a very old Presbytery and has perfect cellar conditions. Dominique explained how he used to work as a cooper (barrel maker) but always wanted to make his own wine in a natural way. After studying viticulture at Beaune, where he met Catherine, they both decided to buy some vineyards and realise their dreams.

The cellars were very impresive, well managed and with a sense of calmness and tranquility.

The thing that really impressed me about Dominique and Catherine is that they are not scared to take risks, and experiment with wine. Even if it means they don’t always maximise the production each year, what’s more important is that they are always looking for perfection with the land that they have the with the wines that they make. A successful vintage is about all the elements of their work coming together such a harmonised way that is expressed in the taste. This is what makes all the effort worth it.

Each small parcel of land is treated with great care, no chemicals here.