Raymond Dupont-Fahn is just turning 40 but he's been managing his family's vineyards and cellar for almost 20 years now. His secret to success is no secret at all: working hard in the vineyard (and... Read More

Raymond Dupont-Fahn is just turning 40 but he's been managing his family's vineyards and cellar for almost 20 years now. His secret to success is no secret at all: working hard in the vineyard (and without pesticides/herbicides), and careful, clean cellar work. Raymond uses at most 20% new oak and only racks or stirs to avoid overt reduction.

He also tends to harvest right as the fruit reaches peak maturity and avoids over-ripeness like the plague. This is to achieve the bright, pure and transparent style of Chardonnay that Raymond prefers. And rumor has it that he's become close with the winemaking team at Coche-Dury, which has inspired him to focus even more on achieving the transparency of each individual parcel.