THE WINE
Jean-François Coutelou
Jean-François “Jeff” Coutelou runs his family’s domaine in Puimisson, just a few kilometres from Béziers on France’s Mediterranean coast. The estate has been certified organic since 1987, long before it became common practice in the region.
Concerned by the effects of monoculture in modern farming, Jeff began rethinking the landscape of the farm. Over time, thousands of trees were planted among the vineyards, transforming the 20-hectare property into a more diverse ecosystem. Today, about 13 hectares are dedicated to vines, with the rest planted to olives, figs, almonds, and other crops that help bring balance back to the land.
The soils, mostly chalky clay, are worked carefully by hand to avoid compaction, and vineyard treatments rely as much as possible on plant-based preparations.
The vineyards are planted with a wide range of grape varieties. Reds include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, while the whites feature Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Gris, Carignan Blanc, Macabeu, and Muscat (both Petits Grains and Alexandrie). This diversity gives Jeff an incredible palette to work from.
The resulting wines stand out in the region: vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly drinkable, yet still full of character. They’re the kind of bottles that invite both easy enjoyment and a moment of quiet contemplation.