Marko Stojakovic
North Macedonia
We were casting the net across Eastern Europe, and we landed Marko first cast
We’d been looking for a good Macedonian wine for ages. Turns out the missing ingredient was Marko. He's had a top-flight career in France, making some of the world’s most famous drops, including Chateau Palmer in Margaux, and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape.
Marko could have settled for being toasted in the salons of Paris. Instead, he gave it all up and went back to his roots. He’s a passionate Macedonian who knew his homeland had the potential for amazing wines. But finding markets for the unfashionable region was tough, until he found Naked, and we found him. A panel of Archangels tasted the wine he sent in, and absolutely loved it.
Marko told us his dream was to find a bigger audience to showcase his country’s wines. We explained how 250,000 Angels were waiting to drink them. It felt like a marriage made in heaven. So we shook on it.
David Tofterup
Spain
Spanish Winemaker of the Year 2015 and 2017 joins the Naked family
97 Ratings
63 Followers
- Born in Denmark (in his own words, a country known more for drinking wine than making wine!) David saw how much fun his parents had in their basement dabbling in homemade wine... but it wasn’t until the family moved to Spain when he was 15 that he really caught the winemaking bug.
- Fast forward 24 years - and David has worked at wineries all over the world including Spain, France, Chile and the US. But it's those native Spanish grapes that really grab his attention. The unpredictability of Monastrell (you may know it as Mourvedre) and the many different characters of Tempranillo draw him in year after year.
- Without Angel support David wouldn't have been able to transition from large scale corporate wine production to boutique style wines with buckets of oomph and personality. This new found freedom means he can go back to the roots of winemaking and discover all the possibilities Spain has to offer. Something we think he is really rather good at…!
Philippe Socheleau
France
Philippe took a punt on Chenin, and it paid off big time
83 Ratings
14 Followers
- After studying food & wine, Philippe spent some time at a friends vineyard and was so taken with it, that he came straight home and started his own winemaking business with his father.
- He took a massive gamble back in 2001, when he ripped up their Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc vines in favour of lesser known Chenin Blanc ones. The bold move paid off and nowadays they are producing some of the top Chenin in the region.
- To Philippe, the beauty of his job is creating delicious wines for people to enjoy. He thrives on the patience and precision required and won’t shy away from taking a little risk every now and then. In short, he’s nailed what being a winemaker is all about!
Gilles Perrier
France
7 generations of winemakers revealing the stars of Savoy
161 Ratings
63 Followers
- Growing up with both his father and grandfather constantly out in the vineyards, how could Gilles not fall in love with wine?! He’s never more enthusiastic than when he is championing local varieties such as the Jacquere (between us that’s a fresh, fruity and very easy drinking grape...yum.)
- A few years ago they hit hard times with frosts wiping out 40% of their harvest. If ever there was a place that Angel funding could make a huge difference it’s here.
- Gilles is so excited to join the Naked family. Thanks to you, he can now, along with his brothers Philippe and Christophe, carry on the family tradition with pride.
José Domingues
Portugal
Passionate Portuguese winemaker discovered by our Archangels at a blind tasting
726 Ratings
166 Followers
- Jose started his career as a winemaker at the tender age of 16. He knows the Vinho Verde region better than anybody else.
- Archangels discovered Jose in a blind tasting of Portuguese wines, and fell madly in love… his creations stood head and shoulders above the rest!
- Jose is a seriously passionate and dedicated chap - “I think what makes my wines special is actually the passion and detail that my whole team puts into the work we do... the care of the vineyard, the thoroughness with which we create each wine, so that each wine reveals its maximum potential and character”
- As a teenager, Juicy threw himself at any opportunity to get involved with anything to do with winemaking. He planted vines which went on to be owned by a famous Australian winery.
- Forty years and a host of international awards later, he has literally come back to his roots. Returning to these vines to make awesome wines.
- On top of that Juicy used to be Chief Winemaker at the iconic Penfolds winery, where he made some of Australia’s most prized Shiraz. Safe to say he knows how to make a bangin’ wine.
Tom Puyaubert
Spain
Tom's on a mission to make you fall in love with a different side of Rioja
426 Ratings
1,497 Followers
Despite calling it home for over 18 years, Tom is known as a foreigner in Rioja. He stands out even more by avoiding the traditional winemaking style of the area; championing instead varieties like Garnacha and Graciano.
It’s tough in Rioja at the moment. With most of the oldest (and best) vineyards belonging to the older generation whose families are now more interested in big city life. Tom says either big commercial wineries must take over or small, independent winemakers should step in and preserve the beauty and history of the land. Cue, Angel Funding!
Tom’s passion and enthusiasm for his region is infectious and he cannot wait for Angels' feedback. Hearing the opinions first hand from his ‘final judges’, as he calls them, is an opportunity he’s never had so form an orderly queue and give a big, Naked welcome to Tom.
Gian Paolo Repetto
Italy
From farm to factory and back again. Gian-Paolo brings you the best of Piedmont
168 Ratings
40 Followers
After growing up on a farm, Gian Paolo spent years as the main man of a metal and plastic processing company but he was never able to forget his roots. A few years ago the urge to get back to nature became too much so he decided to follow his heart and venture into the wonderful world of wine.
Returning to the rolling hills of Piemonte made him realise that mother nature is really the one in charge here! He is careful to show the uttermost respect for the land around him and his favourite quote is "wine is obtained from grapes, it is not made".
Gian Paolo hopes you will really be able to taste the passion and hard work that goes into his wines. He’s waiting patiently to hear your thoughts and is brimming with excitement for you to taste them. Now it’s over to you!
Maurizio Tornesi
Italy
A family winery spanning centuries opens its doors to Angels
64 Ratings
36 Followers
Maurizio’s family has been in the business since 1865 and he is so proud to carry on their tradition of showcasing Italian grapes at their best.
Recently joined by his daughter, Elisa, this is one dynamic duo and they are very excited to share classic Sangiovese flavours with Angels.
Their passion for their wines is palpable and, with family at the heart of everything they do, we just know they are going to be a hit.
From humble origins, Anna’s grandfather became an important winegrower in the area and she is proudly following in his footsteps, tending to the old family vineyard and running the winery since 2012.
A biologist and oenologist with an MBA, Anna really knows her stuff and she cannot wait to share a little taste of the region she calls home, Empordà, with Angels.
For her, authenticity is key and showcasing native varieties is at the heart of everything she does. Did you know Lledoner is the ancient Catalan name for Grenache? Nope, nor did we. Anna clearly has a lot to teach us and we cannot wait to learn!
