From Jura to Mont Ventoux
UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
The Houillon family is synonymous with a unique know-how and a philosophy deeply rooted in nature. However, carving a niche in the wine world with such a renowned name is a challenge that they have embraced with passion and dedication.
PIERRE OVERNOY
Aurélien Houillon is none other than the brother of Emmanuel and Adeline Houillon. The trio learned and worked with the legendary Pierre Overnoy in the Jura but eventually parted ways. Emmanuel took over Pierre Overnoy's work, and Adeline is known for Bruyère-Houillon.
Aurélien moved to Switzerland, where he had the opportunity to transform an estate into biodynamic viticulture and further develop his affinity for different grape varieties.
His wife, Charlotte, is a historian and letter doctor specializing in ancient manuscripts.
Her research took her to China and Ethiopia for a long time, where she learned traditional methods of making paper from plants and the art of natural pigments. When she resigned from her university position, she became a service provider in animal traction. She also has an impressive background in biodynamics.
MONT VENTOUX
In 2017, they acquired a 9-hectare estate in La Roche Coucourde, a lieu-dit at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the south of France. This region, with its relatively cool climate thanks to the height and influence of the majestic mountain, provides a unique terroir for their vineyards. The vineyards are located on a rocky outcrop and benefit from a unique microclimate. The natural environment is characterized by a wild flora of herbs, shrubs, and forests known as the Garrigues. A stream flows through it, keeping temperatures low, and the forest facing east blocks the morning sun, helping maintain humidity. The local cafe characterizes the soils, thin and crumbly sand from the Miocene period, mixed with clay and blue/grey marble, similar to the precious water-retaining terroir of Rasteau and Cairanne.
JULES CHAUVET
Applying biodynamic principles from the start, the family focuses on the recovery of the vines and terraces. The remaining land has natural forests and heathlands that contribute to a lush and rich biodiversity. They also experiment with agroforestry by co-planting Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and even more Cinsault. Total yields are around 17-20 hh, but Aurélien aims to increase this to 20-25 hh. Preference is given to single-variety Cuvées in the belief that they do better with the terroir. Aurélien makes wine according to the principles of Jules Chauvet (1907-1989), the respected winemaker, chemist, and taster who first spoke out for natural wine after the Second World War. These principles include a holistic approach to vineyard management, with a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the lunar calendar.
THE CAKE
In the cellar, the natural work of the vine continues to accompany and respect the grapes and the terroir. No clarification, filtration or sulphites are used, and all vinification is done by gravity to give the wines their aromatic expression and ageing potential. There are few interventions, and, as the icing on the cake, the bottles are labelled by hand with paper made from vine shoots and natural pigments, which Charlotte makes herself. Charlotte also has a special bond with Victoire, the workhorse, and Castor, the donkey, ensuring that the vineyard's work runs smoothly.
NEW ELAN
We can safely describe an almost unique style and a new impetus in this warm Rhône region. Aurélien Houillon followed the same minimalist approach to biodynamic winemaking, which has made Pierre Overnoy's wines so legendary, not to mention the wines of his sister and brother-in-law Bruyère-Houillon. The wines of Aurélien Houillon, full of energy and life, are natural in the strictest sense of the word. It is an exceptional domain to follow closely! The fact that we have not yet worked with Aurélien had everything to do with our portfolio, which only includes cool-climate wines. We have never thought about crossing that line until today. The years of experience at
Pierre Overnoy has left its mark because the wines of Charlotte and Aurélien Houillon remind me of the Jura. A kind of purity and aromatic depth combined with an extreme freshness opens the way to the noblest expression of the terroir. It is stunning. We are proud to have been able to add these magnificent wines to our collection.
UNIQUE KNOW-HOW
The Houillon family, synonymous with a unique know-how and a philosophy deeply rooted in nature, has embraced the challenge of carving a niche in the wine world with passion and unwavering dedication. Their commitment to their craft is truly inspiring.
PIERRE OVERNOY
Aurélien Houillon is none other than the brother of Emmanuel and Adeline Houillon. The trio learned and worked with the legendary Pierre Overnoy in the Jura but eventually parted ways. Emmanuel took over Pierre Overnoy's work, and Adeline is known for Bruyère-Houillon.
Aurélien's move to Switzerland provided him with the opportunity to transform an estate into biodynamic viticulture, further developing his affinity for different grape varieties. The family's embrace of this innovative approach to winemaking is sure to intrigue wine enthusiasts and potential buyers.His wife, Charlotte, is a historian and letter doctor specializing in ancient manuscripts.
Charlotte, Aurélien's wife, plays a significant role in the family's winemaking journey. Her background in history and expertise in ancient manuscripts have influenced her approach to winemaking. Her research in China and Ethiopia, where she learned traditional methods of making paper from plants and the art of natural pigments, has been applied to the winemaking process. She also has an impressive background in biodynamics and contributes to the family's holistic approach to winemaking.
MONT VENTOUX
In 2017, they acquired a 9-hectare estate in La Roche Coucourde, a lieu-dit at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the south of France. This region, with its relatively cool climate, thanks to the height and influence of the majestic mountain, provides a unique terroir for its vineyards. The vineyards located on a rocky outcrop benefit from an exceptional microclimate. The natural environment characterized by a wild flora of herbs, shrubs, and forests is known as the Garrigues. A stream flows through it, keeping temperatures low, and the forest facing east blocks the morning sun, helping maintain humidity. The local cafe characterizes the soils, thin and crumbly sand from the Miocene period, mixed with clay and blue/grey marble, similar to the precious water-retaining terroir of Rasteau and Cairanne.
JULES CHAUVET
Applying biodynamic principles from the start, the family focuses on the recovery of the vines and terraces. The remaining land has natural forests and heathlands that contribute to a lush and rich biodiversity. They also experiment with agroforestry by co-planting Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Carignan, and even more Cinsault. Total yields are around 17-20 hh, but Aurélien aims to increase this to 20-25 hh. Preference is given to single-variety Cuvées in the belief that they do better with the terroir. The family's biodynamic principles, which include a holistic approach to vineyard management, with a focus on biodiversity, soil health, and the lunar calendar, have significantly improved the health and quality of the vineyard.
THE CAKE
In the cellar, the Houillon family's respect for the grapes and the terroir is evident in their natural winemaking process. No clarification, filtration or sulphites are used, and all vinification is done by gravity to give the wines their aromatic expression and ageing potential. Their reverence for their craft is further demonstrated by the hand-labeling of bottles with paper made from vine shoots and natural pigments, which Charlotte makes herself. Charlotte also has a special bond with Victoire, the workhorse, and Castor, the donkey, ensuring that the vineyard's work runs smoothly.
NEW ELAN
We can safely describe an almost unique style and a new impetus in this warm Rhône region. Aurélien Houillon followed the same minimalist approach to biodynamic winemaking, which has made Pierre Overnoy's wines so legendary, not to mention the wines of his sister and brother-in-law Bruyère-Houillon. The wines of Aurélien Houillon, full of energy and life, are natural in the strictest sense of the word. It is an exceptional domain to follow closely! The fact that we have not yet worked with Aurélien had everything to do with our portfolio, which only includes cool-climate wines. We have never thought about crossing that line until today. The years of experience at
Pierre Overnoy has left its mark because the wines of Charlotte and Aurélien Houillon remind me of the Jura. A kind of purity and aromatic depth combined with an extreme freshness opens the way to the noblest expression of the terroir. It is stunning. We are proud to have been able to add these magnificent wines to our collection.
