Julian Altaber, ‘En Chapon’ Chardonnay (2021)
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Burgundy, France— 100% Negoce Chardonnay from Burgundy. Pure in the fragrance and on the palate, salty lemon, slightly flinty-yeasty reduction touch, buttered popcorn, almond flakes, a little paraffin, delicate yoghurt. Firm, firm, animating and chalky-fresh on the palate. Hand harvested. Direct Press Into Stainless Aged In Barrel.
Born in the Auvergne region and raised in southern Burgundy, Julien Altaber's path began with childhood summers spent among cattle and tractors, instilling a deep connection to agricultural life. After secondary school, farming seemed the natural choice, but the realities of peasant agriculture led him toward the vineyards of the Mâconnais region.
At 16, Altaber's first winemaking internship proved transformative—the harvest, fermentation, and wine world captivated him completely. Following experiences across Mâconnais and Beaujolais, he spent two years at a Beaune trading house in 2000 before joining Dominique Derain's organic estate in Saint-Aubin in 2002.
Under Derain's mentorship, Altaber discovered organic farming, biodynamics, and natural winemaking while mastering every aspect of production. In 2007, encouraged by Dominique, he purchased his first Pinot Noir grapes, launching SEXTANT wines using borrowed facilities. By 2010, he acquired his first vineyard plot, expanded in 2013 with a winery in Saint-Aubin and plots in Pommard, and planted an additional half-hectare in 2015.