Olivier Cazenave
France
Olivier's Wines
- France
- 1 wine
- 1 style
Dip your toe into the right bank with Olivier
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Olivier Cazenave grew up surrounded by Bordeaux's Right Bank vineyards, sparking his passion for winemaking despite a non-wine background.
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Transitioning from diverse roles in the wine industry, Olivier bought his own vineyard in 2003, marking the start of his hands-on winemaking journey.
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Olivier now crafts innovative, small-batch wines in Pomerol and Montagne Saint-Emilion, merging traditional techniques with modern sustainability.
Vineyard Location
Olivier Cazenave's Story
Olivier Cazenave's journey in the world of wine is as rich and textured as the varietals he crafts. Born in 1964 in Libourne, right in the heart of Bordeaux’s Right Bank—a revered wine region that includes Saint-Emilion and Pomerol—Olivier was surrounded by the vibrant local wine culture from a young age. Although not originally from a winemaking family, his connections with friends deeply rooted in the local vineyards ignited his passion for wine at the tender age of 17 during a harvest party, where he experienced his first "revelation" with a bottle of Château Feytit Clinet.
Despite his burgeoning interest in wine, Olivier pursued a diverse academic path, studying Philosophy and Literature, eventually obtaining a Master’s in Communication from CELSA in Paris. His studies were partly funded by organizing wine tastings and selling wine, intertwining his education with his growing wine expertise.
Olivier's professional wine career began with roles in wine sales and buying, eventually leading to a pioneering position as co-founder of ChateauOnline, one of the first online wine shops in the late 1990s. This experience expanded his knowledge and passion, paving the way for his ultimate dream: creating his own wines.
In 2003, a pivotal year, Olivier married his wife Anne and purchased a small vineyard, marking the beginning of his winemaking venture. Since then, Olivier has produced numerous vintages, each a testament to his philosophy of humility, constant learning from nature, and innovative spirit. His work is particularly noted for challenging traditional winemaking norms in Bordeaux, introducing creative wines that resonate with modern palates while respecting the legacy of his region.
Today, Olivier manages his vineyards in Pomerol, Montagne Saint-Emilion, and Bordeaux, focusing on sustainable practices and exploring organic and biodynamic methodologies. He is celebrated for his elegant, delicate wines with complex bouquets and silky textures, embodying a perfect balance between tradition and evolution. Through his partnership with Naked Wines, Olivier aims to expand his horizons further, supported by the freedom to create distinctive, expressive wines that challenge expectations and delight wine lovers globally.
