Patrick Desplats

HEDONISTIC
Patrick Desplats, a winemaker and philosopher, has a truly unique approach to making exceptional wine. His way of speaking about nature is almost inimitable, a cascade of words about his vines, wine jars, and the taste of his wines. It's a journey of understanding that leads to a moment of revelation when you taste his wines. This indulgent experience brings peace to your mind, a feeling of understanding and appreciation that makes you feel alive as if you're part of his connection to nature and the wines.

QVEVRI
Patrick's winemaking process is a harmonious dance with nature. He crafts his wines in Qvevri, large clay vessels buried in his forest's soil. This ancient winemaking method from Georgia involves fermenting and ageing the wine in these underground vessels. There is no electricity or machines; everything is according to nature. Based on biodynamic principles, Patrick cultivates 6 hectares of land without sulphur or copper anywhere. Only 1.6 hectares are planted with vines, whereas the rest of the terrain consists of wild plants such as grass, herbs, flowers, and grains. The vines were cultivated without oil or force, with no ploughing, only light mowing (by hand), and without herbal tea treatments.

POLYCULTURE
Patrick practices polyculture, a farming method that involves growing multiple crops in the same space. He plants a forest in his vineyard to create a harmonious environment where the vine can flourish with the trees. Under the branches of the trees, like in a witches' circle, his wines develop in the Qvevri's. There is no pump or sulphur, and he fills it with a hose. He is at the cutting edge when it comes to natural winemaking. Aspiring winemakers have been coming to Pat for years to learn about the interaction between man and nature. Others may call him 'out of control,' but Patrick knows he has a special relationship with nature. He names his wines after people who are dear to him or who contribute to his philosophy of life, such as his daughter, his first love or Epona, the goddess of horses.

DOMAINE DES GRIOTTES
Patrick worked with his friend Babass at the Domaine des Griottes from 2000 to 2010, and we met there in 2007. A moment full of emotion. What wines? Caroline. Diane. I shed a few tears. Over the years, we have continued to follow Patrick and have seen him change into a wise man who has found peace in his drive, passion and almost compulsive energy to make the wine of his life. He is in his place, in his forest with his wine and finally with his cellar and house, which he has dreamed of all his life.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Although 2019 was challenging for Patrick, it was ultimately a milestone. The late frost in May destroyed most of his harvest, leaving him with only enough grapes to bottle two Qvevris. Marguerite is a sensational maceration of all the remaining white grapes, and Vent Y Tourne is a spectacular blend of all his remaining red grapes. Despite the setback, 2019 was the year that Pat, after 20 years, saw his vision become a reality. These wines will go down in history.