L’Affût
Isabelle is one of a kind. Hailing from a family who owned an Oak Sawmill, she discovered wine through the barrels and it was an instant crush! After working in different countries and regions, from winemaker to marketing specialist and also more trade-related jobs, she came back in 2017 to her home, Sassay, with one idea, to make her own wine.
She now manages a 14 hectare estate where she grows more than 8 different grape varieties such as a very old Gamay (over 100 years old), beautiful Sauvignon Blancs or voluptuous Chardonnays. For Isabelle, being a winemaker means always being on the lookout or “à l’Affût” like we say in French. It first means observing closely the vines, soils, flora, and fauna but it’s also a hint to her personal story as the word “fût” in French means barrel in English.
How to name a Plums Pet’Nat
First step: take at least a week to think about it with your team by organizing brainstorming, meetings, think outside the box sessions then realize it did not work.
Second step: prefer a great night of tastings with the team to think about it again, throw ideas and suggestions all night long.
Third step: forget almost everything you said last night, realize that the printing of the labels starts tomorrow, call your brother to ask, “How do we call again the Quetsches, alors?”.
When the name came as spontaneously as the actual fermentation, you know you’re fine.