Wine, Wisdom, and Wanderlust: The Remarkable Story of Philippe Pacalet

In just 20 years, Philippe Pacalet has managed to establish a unique style of wines, making him an ambassador for natural Burgundy wines worldwide. Adored in Asia, his wines, with millimeter precision, grace the refined tables of countries like Singapore, Japan, or China, whether they embody a fooding spirit or revel in a bistro atmosphere.


Philippe Pacalet stands out as a bit of an outsider in the Burgundy wine landscape. A champion of non-interventionist viticulture, he is an instinctive winemaker with an extraordinary feel for wine. A true product of Beaujolais, unfairly perceived as the poor relative of Burgundy, he maintains a visceral attachment to the region.

 

As the nephew of the charismatic Marcel Lapierre, the rock'n'roll star of Morgon, whose irreverence matched the quality of his wines, Philippe apprenticed with him from the age of 14 before entering the domain of Prieuré Roch in Nuits Saint Georges. During his interview, Henri Roch asked for his CV, to which he replied by presenting a bottle from his uncle: "Here's my CV," the Pacalet effect already at play...

After about ten years as the estate manager, the need for freedom became apparent. Not having inherited vineyards in Côtes d'Or, he started as a negociant in 2001, working closely with winemakers and property owners practicing environmentally respectful viticulture.



With a vineyard area of 18 hectares, he produces an average of 65,000 bottles per year, featuring some of the finest appellations from Côtes de Beaune and Nuits, Chablis, Moulin-à-Vent, and even the Northern Rhône.


"Due to his superb winemaking skills, Philippe Pacalet was once invited by Domaine de la Romanee Conti to take over as a winemaker.
However, he declined the offer because he aspired to establish his own brand and winery."



A disciple of Jules Chauvet, the pioneer of the natural wine movement, Philippe advocates for minimal intervention, emphasizing that "one must let the effect happen." Vinification is done without sulfur, relying on the action of indigenous yeasts.

The Pacalet style? Precise, mineral, with reds of subtle extraction and incomparable freshness, sometimes too light for the taste of the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality, note), and whites with tension and salinity. One goal and one goal only: to reveal the terroir. It's safe to say that the wines, much like the man himself, leave anything but indifference... Style or signature, just like his clean labels with double-P letters created by Swiss artist Roger Pfund, contrasting with the locally established tradition.




Now supported by his wife Monica, a Brazilian he met at a trade show in Sao Paulo, who didn't hesitate to book a one-way ticket to Beaune, and whose laughter brightens the misty days of the Côte d'Or, Philippe Pacalet continues to explore his craft with determination to share his wines generously. Since 2001, he has been working with Syrah, producing a Cornas cuvée every year, one of the most prestigious appellations in the Northern Rhône. And like a return to his roots, the landless winemaker recently acquired vines in one of Beaujolais' most renowned crus, Moulin-à-Vent, where he crafts a Gamay that excels in the art of winemaking.




Philippe Pacalet will be in Singapore with Aether Wines & Spirits from April 1st to April 3rd, 2024.

- April 1: Masterclass at 67 Pall Mall (Reserved to members)
- April 2: Wine Dinner At Nicolas Le Restaurant

- April 3: Wine Dinner At Shin Terroir.

 

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