Story
Houillon Aurelien
Ventoux · Rhône · France
In 2016, Aurélien and Charlotte Houillon embarked on their winemaking journey in Vaucluse after spending years honing their craft in the Jura with Pierre Overnoy and Aurélien's brother, Emmanuel Houillon. They adopted the same minimalist winemaking philosophy and biodynamic vineyard practices that have made Overnoy's wines legendary. The couple has reclaimed 9 hectares of mostly neglected vines in the village of Faucon, which lies in the shadow of Mont Ventoux. From their 9-hectare estate the 4.5 hectares of vineyards transitioned to organic farming, incorporating biodynamic practices.The remaining land is natural woodland and moors, contributing to a lush, rich biodiversity. The Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault vines, ranging from 30 to 70 years old, are rooted in sandy clay soil interspersed with limestone.
“The soils are cultivated without pesticides and are enriched by the natural fertiliser provided by their two companions, Victory (a horse) and Beaver (a donkey).”
Their wines are wild and untamed, yet retain the depth and intensity characteristic of the Southern. Reflecting the artisanal nature of their project, some of their wine labels are even crafted from papyrus they make themselves, screened from scratch in their barn!
