Domaine Dominique Derain
Saint-Aubin, Bourgogne, France
Dominique Derain has been a leading figure in Bourgogne's natural wine movement since the 1980s. Based in Saint-Aubin, he farms biodynamically and produces wines that are vibrant, precise, and full of life. His Aligoté is a benchmark for the variety.
Julien Altaber was born in Auvergne and grew up in Southern Bourgogne. He discovered the world of wine by helping in a winery in Mâcon at age 16. After a few internships in Mâcon and Beaujolais, in 2002 he joined Dominique and Catherine Derain in their estate in St-Aubin. There he learned biodynamic viticulture and natural winemaking and never looked back.
Encouraged by Dominique, Julien purchased his first Pinot Noir grapes in 2007 and made his own wine, using the Derain facilities. Sextant was born. Bit by bit, Julien was able to buy equipment and in 2010 he acquired his first parcel of vines. During the harvests that followed, the organic winegrowing community helped him to find grapes as well as suggesting alternative cuvées to make.
In 2013 Julien bought a winery and cellar in Saint-Aubin, along with 2 additional vineyards in Pommard. In 2015 he planted a half hectare of vines. A couple of years ago, Dominique Derain officially retired, leaving the reins to Julien and Carole Schwab (another long-time employee at the estate). Today Julien and Carole run both Sextant and Derain estates — Derain and Sextant are now one domaine.
"My goal is not to make a "Grand Vin", but rather a "True Wine"; honest, with maximum-drinkability. After all, wine is a convivial beverage, one of friendship and celebration." Julien Altaber
