Born 8th August 1973, married with 2 children, Winemaker since 1995

The vineyards of the Côte de Nuits are my “Moses basket”. It was around these vines that my eyes opened for the first time. After having awkwardly succeeded to put one foot in front of the other, I was captivated by the rich nectar that was scattered around the villages of my childhood. At 16 years of age, to the despair of some, this energy, which we cannot simply control, was in me. It arrived with a gentle force and my teacher confirms this diagnosis later:

« Consumed by the Passion for Wine »

My first classes were at the “Hospices de Nuits”. I observe. I toil. I listen. The pieces come together. I feel. I sort the “Pinots”. I learn, understand and analyse. I make errors and corrections. I seek.

A few years later, I set myself up in the distinguished Domain Bertagna, based in Vougeot. My initiation continues. My passion overflows. In a 180° turn I take the direction for Meursault, where I marvelled at the Burgundy whites of Domain Ropiteau-Mignon where I assumed the vinifications. And then, Nuit calls me again. I return there to dedicate myself to Maison Potel, where I have vinified the wines for the last 10 years.

With Nature, each place is unique by its soil makeup, its enhancement, its climate and its natural environment. These characters form a complete organic sense. My practices and convictions aspire to reinforce the unity of these different elements. I do not have either an agronomical or astronomical recipe. On the contrary, I adapt the ways to react to the favourable conditions of the lieu. In the same way,I observe and interpret each vintage in order to feel in harmony with it, and bring out the sublime.

Wine is my culture and indeed patrimony. I like to nurture and raise a wine, as you would do for your own child, with passion and rigour, so that later you would be real proud.

Our Winemaker, Fabrice Lesne