The Man That's More Biodynamic than Rudolph Steiner
He decided to stop making certified Beaujolais because his wines were found to be atypical for the region by the French government. Atypical, but better. Then when he decided to start producing Biodynamic wine (before it was cool) he made his standards higher than the those required for certification by Demeter. Meet the man whose wine is more biodynamic than Rudolph Steiner.
A LITTLE Q&A WITH BERNARD VALLETTE
Q
How long have you been producing wine?
A
"I am the son, grand-son and great grand-son of winemakers . I was born grew up on the family farm. So I was immediately immersed in the agricultural and wine atmosphere. When I wanted to pursue an winemaking, there was not enough room in the my area . So I waited until my mother retired to become winemaker in 1985."
Q
When did you decided to start doing the biodynamic wine?
A
"I started practicing Biodynamic winemaking, officially, in 2000."
Q
How has your philosophy on biodynamic winemaking evolved since you started doing biodynamic wine?
A
"The philosophy remains the same. The overall vision changes and evolves over time. Winemaking is different each year and each vintage is unique. We must be present, attentive , responsive if needed, with precise gestures. Above all, we must have in our relationship with the vine a respectful attitude. Honesty preserves the balance throughout the season. The winery will become a place of birth, and will choose the character of the wine during fermentation, the right direction for our greatest happiness."
Q
When winekiki started importing your wine, you were producing five different wines. Things have changed a bit since then. Can you tell me a bit about your new projects?
A
"We do not choose our desires, they make themselves known. When I first started producing wine, I developed the "Quatre Saisons". The following year, I made the "Vin Nouveau" and the "Cuvée Centenaire". Meanwhile, I planted "Chardonnay". I vinified still wine and sparkling wine. Then there were the "Rosés". I made a still wine first, then later the sparkling wine "Neé Buleusse", which is a great success. More recently, I have acquired these Georgian jars made out of terracotta that allow me to produce a new natural wine. In 2015 I launched a wine called "White Night". It is a blanc de noir which is made from the Gamay grape, and in the future I would like to make a "blanc de blancs". Last year, I planted four new white grape varieties: Muscat Ottonel, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris. This year I planted a plot of Roussanne. In total, there will be 7 different grape varieties, and like the seven notes of music, we will have wine infinity."
9 EVERYDAY QUESTIONS FOR BERNARD VALLETTE
What's your favorite pizza?
| "I believe there is a pizza called "Quatre Saisons", like one of my wines! But I'm not a fan of pizza." |
If you could drink any wine from any vintage, except your own, what would you drink?
| "A wine from my friend and idol: Christian Ducroux, a Lantigné winemaker in Beaujolais." |
What is your favorite song?
| "There are so many ... But why not "Amazing Grace"?" |
How did you celebrate your last birthday?
| "In Orta San Giulio, a beautiful medieval village on the banks of Lake Orta, Italy." |
If you couldn’t make wine, what would you do instead?
| "I will take time to continue to laugh, rejoice, do what I want, touch the stars, grow, mature, love, and realize that each day is a wonderful gift." |
If you could travel anywhere for a vacation what place would you visit?
| "I traveled a lot before turning 30 . It made me realize that I live in the most beautiful place in the world." |
What is the funniest thing that you have ever seen?
| "Francois Hollande and his ministers, but we hurry to laugh before we have to cry." |
If you could invite any five people, living or dead, to a dinner party who would you invite?
| "Jules Chauvet, Jacques Neauport, and her mother, Ginette, my wife Agnes and Kiki of course!" |
What is your favorite movie?
| "Mondovino" |
