Dominique Grangeon

Dominique's Story

My brother and I Baptiste are the third generation of family working at Domaine de Cristia. The vineyard was bought 70 years ago by my great-grandfather Etienne Grangeon, and we started working here back in 1999. We took over from my father Florent. The soils were in excellent condition thanks to Dad's biodynamic conception of agriculture, but changing old mentalities was a bit of a challenge!

We had a few problems with the first vintages we produced (bad corks being one problem), but come 2003, we started making some absolutely wonderful wine, with The Wine Advocate calling us the 'New superstars from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.' And wine drinkers backing this up!

So what do I love about my job as a wine maker? Well, I don't have to buy my own wine for a start!

In all seriousness though, it is something I'm truly passionate about. And I love working with my brother Baptiste - who is an engine of energy, ideas, positivism and reassurance.

A few Naked facts about Baptiste

• Baptiste did go off to Uni in 1996, but after only a few days into his course, he returned to the family vineyard to pursue his real passion – making wine
• Despite being proud of his country's wines, Baptiste's favourite wines are from Italy. He admires Italy's ability to adapt to competition, whereas he think France often relies on the assumption that 'France is the country of wine'
• His favourite wine? An Italian wine of course, Sagrantino di Montefalco d’Arnaldo Caprai
• When not at work, he's a keen golfer – and enjoys sitting down to a James Bond movie!
• Other than his own fine wines, he enjoys relaxing with either a glass of Chimay or a pint of Guinness (good taste Baptiste!)