Francis Dèche

Francis's Story

My family has been producing wine and armagnac for 5 generations. Our ancestors bought our vineyard in 1870 from the previous owners, who had gone deeply into debt because of gambling losses!

What do I love about my job? I enjoy making good wine which is a reflection of my competence and capabilities. In my work I am free to choose how I produce my wine. The consumer, when he is drinking my wine, can perhaps imagine himself in the Gers.

I must mention my family. It would be impossible to produce the wines without their help. My wife and my daughter work around the clock to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

Francis' top 5 winemaking philosophies:

1. To look after the vines to produce beautiful grapes
2. To keep up to date with the best methods of producing wine which the consumer demands
3. To accept hard work
4. To produce the wines which we like and to like the wines we produce!
5. To be prepared to change one’s philosophy with regard to the wine production

A few other Naked Facts about Francis:

• He has installed a bed in his cellar to supervise fermentation during the night!
• If he wasn't working in the wine industry he would like to be a pilot
• He would love to have a wine and cigar tasting with Winston Churchill!
• His favourtie food is sushi (to go with his own white wine)
• His favourtie wine region (other than France) is Chile
• And his pearl of winemaking wisdom is... be passionate!