Makers' Stories
Jean-Noel Fourmeaux
— I empower people to be themselves and to embrace their own personal taste and give it the chance it deserves. Once you know your taste, your taste will never let you down.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
Delicatesse!
What is your favorite memory as a vintner working in Napa Valley?
The first Auction Napa Valley - the sense of camaraderie was fantastic!
Tell us about your first Napa Valley harvest…
1983. It was my introduction to Napa Valley and we made this at Hess Winery.
What's your all-time favorite food and wine pairing?
Sea bass with puree of tomato and black olives with Chateau Potelle's VGS Zinfandel,
or lobster cooked with red pepper sauce and Chateau Margaux 1957.
Name a Napa Valley vintner who has influenced you and briefly explain why.
It has to be Robert Mondavi, no question about it. He was a force of nature. Warren Winiarski as well, and my dear friend Justin Meyer ... a lot of good memories there!
What does "cultivating excellence" as a Napa Valley vintner mean to you?
Perfection without pretension!
How did you get started in the wine business?
My mother gave me wine instead of milk!
What’s the strangest word you’ve used to describe the smell or taste of wine?
Delicate, soft petroleum.
If you could open a bottle of your wine and share it with any three people (living or not), who would they be?
Jim Clarke, Graham Hill and Ricardo Rodriguez.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I drink one beer a year ... no more, no less!
If you weren't a Napa Valley vintner, what would you be doing?
Formula One racer, but not anymore. At my age, can you imagine?
Est. 2009
VGS Chateau Potelle
03
The Makers