OLIVIER CAZENAVE ET CHÂTEAU, France
In 2003 he finally decided he wanted to own vineyards, and as he says: “you would have had to be crazy to buy a property in Bordeaux in 2003” … but that he did. The first few years were about slowly replanting and discovering the terroirs and by 2016 all of his vineyards were worked bio-dynamically, with 2019 being the first certified vintage. His first vintage, 2011, was awarded by Revue des Vins de France “The best new talent for wines less than 20€” and also ranked second amongst all St Emilion Grand Crus. However, his irrepressible and somewhat ‘revolutionary’ approach to winemaking and love of breaking the rules, had to find an outlet in such a traditional region, hence the creation of Bel a Ciao ... here his imagination can play and develop wines such as the exciting Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc orange wine, which from 2021 is organic.
Viticulture
Since 2016 all of Olivier’s vineyards on his Libourne estate have been worked bio-dynamically, with 2019 being the first certified vintage. He strives for this in his less conventional projects, and since 2021 his orange wine has been certified organic too.
Winemaking
Being a winemaker isn’t only about knowing the vineyard and its growth, the wine and its evolution, or driving a tractor. It’s also about learning to work on your own, when everything goes wrong” … this attitude is very much applied in Olivier’s winemaking. Hands off, allowing the terroir to express itself, whatever the climate or fermentation throws your way. Dynamic, honest and reflective of human skills and ability to know when not to interfere.
- Olivier’s unique, informed yet unconventional approach in this most traditional of regions make him a producer to watch.
- Immensely characterful, no SO2 added, IGP Atlantique Orange wine, organically farmed Aux Plantes St Emilion Grand Cru, innovative Solera Cab Franc and classic Bordeaux.
- Non-interventionist vineyard practices, with a hands-on approach to ensure the highest quality fruit.
