Winemaker profiles - Marie-Pierre, Eric and Etienne Plumet-d’Ardhuy at Domaine la Cabotte
- Categories :
- Wine
- Wine Making
- Domaine la Cabotte
- Côtes du Rhône
How long have you been a winemakers?
For us (Eric & Marie-Pierre), since 1981: It's both a profession and passion that we share as a family, that our respective parents did before us, and that our son, Etienne will carry on since his arrival at the winery this year.
What is your best memory in the vineyard or cellar?
So many memories over the past 35 years, but the ones that stand out the most are the first times. We created the winery, and all of the first times we did something new will be forever etched in our memories; the first planting of the vines, first vinification, first tasting of our wines, first bottling, and first bottle labelled with the name of our winery.
Everything is not always perfect the first time, but it's always the beginning of a new journey, a new challenge, and forces you to question yourselves.
For the 2015 vintage, what is at present your favourite wine and why?
We never have a favourite wine. Ask a parent which is their favourite child? It's impossible to answer. We love all of our wines for their qualities and their imperfections.
They are all touched by the same vintage, whether they are rich, full, smooth, fruity, fresh, or velvety, they are all the product of our passion and so deserve the same attention.
What are your projects or challenges for 2016?
The arrival of our son, Etienne, to the winery, then uprooting and replanting 12ha of vines that our son is leasing.
A question that our clients often ask. What do winemakers do when they have a little time to themselves?
A bit like everyone. We go to the cinema, to the theatre, we visit exhibitions and museums, and we spend time with our children and grandchildren.
Sometimes we get the chance to go on holiday, and if there is a winery or wine merchant nearby, we stop by to learn and exchange knowledge on wine-making!