February 23, 2024 - 3 comments
In 2016, Camille Ravinet embarked on a wine adventure fueled by a love for history, botany, and the good life. With a background in agronomy and landscaping, Camille's musings on preserving landscapes and reviving ancient cultures led him to the picturesque Seine Valley. What started as a contemplative exploration of his surroundings blossomed into a mission to resurrect forgotten land.
Deciding to blend history, botany, and gastronomy into winemaking, Camille sought to revive a heritage vineyard lost to the 19th-century phylloxera plague. Fate intervened when he crossed paths with Mr. Jean Pierre Porcher, revealing the secret plot named "LES VIGNETTES," once adorned with vines.
This connection became the canvas for a winemaking project that's more than just about the vines; it's a nod to agroecology, soil TLC, and a commitment to safeguarding heritage.
After navigating the bureaucratic vineyard maze, Camille transformed into a legit agriculture maestro. Learning from Burgundy, he picked the right grape varieties, analyzed the soil, and decided how densely to plant them.
On March 29, 2019, with the help of friends, Camille planted 6400 Chardonnay vines at "LES VIGNETTES." This marked the start of a sustainable, naturel winemaking process – no chemicals, just Camille and Mother Nature working their magic.
Camille's dedication to a hands-on, natural approach is the real deal – from using four-legged animal friends for soil work to skipping chemicals, resulting in a terroir-infused, dry white wine first harvested on September 17, 2022.
In the glass, the golden Chardonnays from "LES VIGNETTES" tell a story – a tale of Camille Ravinet's commitment to preserving heritage, nurturing terroir, and crafting a wine that transcends time. With the first bottles set to hit local shelves next summer, Camille's journey from agronomist to a natural winemaker is a toast to passion, history, and the land.
