Prior to Germain taking over, the estate primarily focused on selling harvested grapes to the négoce. However, Germain had a unique vision for the family's heritage, embarking on the journey of producing bottled wine - a venture that began with his inaugural vintage in 2021.

Germain's decision-making is meticulous and precise. He invested in high-quality concrete vats of varying capacities to equip the winery, emphasising, 'I wish to nurture my wine like a single vineyard.' Marchampt boasts a mosaic of terroirs.

Situated in the village of Marchampt, near Quincie, the domaine enjoys one of the loftiest elevations in Beaujolais, with its highest vineyard perched at 600 metres altitude. The overall micro-climate here is characterised by its cool, dry nature and excellent sun exposure. The steep terroirs, rich in pebbles and granite, create the ideal conditions for optimal grape ripening. The 7-hectare vineyard, with an average vine age ranging from 50 to 70 years, employs the gobelet training system on the valley's southeast-facing side, yielding approximately 35-40 hectolitres per hectare.

In the cellar, Germain adheres to minimal intervention practices - no sulfur, and he employs 100% whole bunch fermentation in open concrete vats for a gentle, gradual infusion. The maceration period typically spans 15 to 18 days to achieve maximum fruit expression. His respectful and astute winemaking practices are truly remarkable for a 22-year-old vintner, brimming with energy and innovative ideas.

For his debut vintage in 2021, Germain produced 8,000 bottles, with a focus on two cuvées, and the remainder of the crop was sold to organic producers in the villages. In 2022, the range expanded to include four distinct cuvées, including three single vineyard selections within the Beaujolais-Villages AOC.

During a recent conversation with Germain, I proposed the idea of crafting an Aligoté, and he showed great enthusiasm for the prospect of creating Beaujolais' first Aligoté. So, it's worth keeping an eye on this space!