Francois Villard Les Contours de Mairlant 2021

Francois Villard embarked on a journey in the world of wine, despite his initial career as a chef. Raised in the picturesque French countryside between Vienne and Grenoble, he ventured into viticulture in 1989 when he, with the support of Yves Cuilleron, planted his first vineyard in Condrieu. His vinicultural practices align with sustainability, progressing towards official organic certification. Villard diligently tends to his soils, employing organic fertilizers and treatments to combat diseases when necessary.

Villard embraces spontaneous fermentations and explores the application of minimal sulphur during vinification. Encouraged by successful experiments, he intends to expand on this approach in the years to come, though he remains committed to using a judicious amount of sulphur at bottling, with no plans to eliminate it entirely. While he acknowledges the occasional need for filtration, he endeavours to minimize its usage

His crafted blend, comprising 60% Marsanne and 40% Roussane, matures for approximately 11 months in old oak barrels and foudres on lees. The resulting wine exhibits remarkable energy, a textured and round palate with captivating depth, accented by notes of baking spice, hints of mandarin rind, and a subtle pear essence. A superb finish, featuring a refreshing touch of green herbs making this a delightful and layered drinking experience, Villard's creation combines fun and sophistication, leaving a lasting impression.