Gifted
TIP
Yay, the phone rings. It's Alexandre Jouveaux with the excellent news that Pierre Mang is on his way and is waiting for us at his cellar. Two years ago, Alexandre had already tipped us off, and we've kept in touch ever since, but now we're waiting for the release of his first vintage. We encourage our car to meet Pierre in person. If we wish for something hard enough, it will happen, we believe. Magical thinking has always had a romantic touch on our lives.
HOMEWORK
It's love at first sight. Pierre Mang, with his undeniable charisma, is a rare gem in the winemaking world, a figure that immediately captivates and intrigues.
It's as if he knows how the world works and has everything figured out well. To be safe, we listen attentively, and to make sure no one sees us, we quickly walk into the vineyard with him. We try to tune our thoughts and feelings. We can read Pierre's. It becomes clear to us that with the help of his mentors, he has found the plot of his life. Vineyards can gain value and shine because of their previous owner or history. Then, it feels as if the place is somehow inspired. The previous owner is a little bit with you. We estimate the chance that we are dealing with a highly talented winemaker very high, but when we let that show, Pierre prefers not to comment because he thinks we should taste it first. So we wait and see. Of course, we had secretly done our homework.
JEAN-YVES-BIZOT
Pierre worked in finance for many years but always had a great passion for wine. He has known for a long time that he had to take the step and follow his dream, and in 2018, he exchanged Paris for a wine study in Beaune. Pierre was 34 at the time. In the meantime, he was interning with Jean-Yves Bizot in Vosne-Romanée and then joined Philippe Vallette in Mâcon full-time. He has a great connection with Alexandre Jouveaux, a respected wine industry figure who played a crucial role in his journey, helping him with contacts, advice and moral support. It's not so surprising because they speak the same language.
INSTINCTIVE
In the spring of 2019, Pierre took over a plot of 0.8 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Mâcon in Plottes, a location accessible from chemicals, surrounded by forests, and devoid of neighbours. Despite the exceptional circumstances, Pierre believed it was too early to start his own business. However, he seized the chance, driven by the conviction of Valette and Jouveaux, not to let this unique opportunity slip away. The first harvest was in 2019, and by regularly supplementing his vineyard with small rented plots, he now owns 2.5 hectares that he can easily maintain himself. This decision, driven by his instinct, is a testament to his connection with the land and his unwavering determination.
TRANSPARENTLY
Pierre is demanding but instinctive. Characteristics that are, of course, also reflected in his wine. Precise, serious and with a lot of depth. His most important skill now is to do justice to the vineyard and the vintage as transparently as possible, ensuring that every step of the winemaking process is clear and inclusive. The quantities are still small, but that is only a matter of time. Until then, it is dreaming away with wines that touch us. With wines that tell the story of a young, enthusiastic winemaker who followed his heart and took the plunge.
