Which winemaker does not know him
Over the past 25 years, his mastery of the region and expertise in blending have earned him a solid reputation. We could go as far as saying that almost all the winemakers of the Côtes-du-Rhône have worked with him at some point or other!
And yet it all began with just a bit of fun. In 1996, Xavier Vignon began working as a consultant oenologist and set about unearthing the wonders of this region. He developed a strong appreciation for its winemakers, their attentiveness, kindness and attention to detail as well as their unfaltering desire to improve the quality of their wines. A sense of freedom washed over him and it struck him that anything was possible here.
When a few of his friends challenged him to prove that these terroirs were really worth something, Xavier Vignon felt something click. He began to vinify using grapes sourced from just a few winemakers and produced a few bottles of wine. They were an immediate success and marked the beginning of a new adventure.
In 2003, the IOC (Oenology Institute of Champagne) entrusted him with managing a laboratory for a long-standing clientele in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His reptation grew and has continued to expand far beyond the appellation and the region.
Since that point, the art of blending and his role within the winemakers federation have come to form the core of his consultant activity. His work as a consultant, which was his first vocation, has also given him the opportunity to build solid relationships with some 500 winemakers with whom he has enjoyed inspiring encounters, exciting adventures and shared experiences.
‘My consultancy work has really shaped and enriched me. I amassed a great deal of knowledge before I began sharing my knowledge with others. We need to understand the importance of learning and listening.’ This side of his work complements his experience and ensures that his expertise continues to evolve. Xavier Vignon is a firm believer that the collective results in the most harmonious projects.