Dominique Derain
Saint Aubin

Dominique Derain, a child of the 1955 vintage, born at the Hospices de Beaune, was originally trained as a cooper (a barrel maker). In 1988, he settled in Saint-Aubin on a modestly sized estate with about 6 hectares of vines, certified organic since 1989. Dominique left the biodynamic certifying association DEMETER in 1997 – the year the membership fees doubled... And since he’s never had anything to prove, he no longer advertises any certifications on his bottle labels. Yet his farming methods haven't changed, including the herbal tisanes he sprays on his vines and other biodynamic preparations … Dominique produces 20,000 bottles a year, of which about 7000 remain in France. The wines of Dominique Derain rank among the stars of many wine lists at chic Parisian bistros, so we’re always happy when we can get our hands on a few bottles! In December 2016, Dominique transferred his estate to his two loyal employees: Carole Schwab and Julien Altaber, two young winemakers already known as the creators of Domaine SEXTANT. The wines of Domaine Derain will continue to be sold under his name. We wish a happy retirement to the great Derain, grand master of the order of biodynamics!

Julien is a simple kid from Auvergne, discovered wine during harvest at 16, staged in Mâconnais and côte Chalonaise then staged with Dominique Derain in Saint-Aubin (who he partnered with, then bought out once Dom "retired"). Created his own winery in the meantime, Sextant. Slowly acquired plots in Puligny, Saint-Aubin and Maranges. Buys organic grapes from Vincent Talmot and Renaud Boyer amongst others. Pretty hands off approach in cellar, no manipulation. Very low sulfur -if any. No filtration. Used Burgundy barrels. Subtlety and finesse. Classy and alive.