Jean-Michel Stéphan
Jean-Michel Stéphan, from a line of market gardeners and arborists, created his wine estate in 1991. When he started, he had only 2 hectares of vines in AOC Côte-Rôtie, the production of which was sold to a regional trader. It was not until 1994 that the first bottles in its own name were marketed. In 2017, Jean-Michel Stéphan joined forces with his son Romain to found Maison Stéphan, thus laying the foundations for a promising future.
Jean-Michel Stéphan got his start working with Jean-Paul Brun from the Terres Dorées estate, in Beaujolais, before acquiring his own plots in Côte-Rôtie. Based in Tupins-et-Semons, south of Condrieu, he is one of the leading winegrowers of the Northern Rhône who advocates a natural approach to viticulture, like Dard and Ribo, or Hervé Souhaut. Jean-Michel Stéphan's production philosophy is inspired by the principles of natural wine, set out by Jules Chauvet, famous Beaujolais wine merchant-oenologist. These principles aim to create wines without adding oenological correction products, thus promoting digestibility and aromatic complexity.
The Domaine Stéphan vineyard extends over 4 hectares, mainly planted with Sérine, Syrah and a little Viognier, and it has been cultivated organically since 1995. Some plots are more than 120 years old. These lands, although modest in size, are difficult to work, especially without mechanization, the Côte-Rôtie terroir being well known for its very steep terraces. No chemicals are used in the vineyards or in the cellar. The musts are not sulphated during vinification, and the wines are neither filtered nor fined. They thus embody the quintessence of natural wine.
Jean-Michel Stéphan's reputation is based on his ability to produce superb Syrah which, over time, gains in complexity and elegance. The Domaine's wines are the guarantee of successful meals, whether for the end of year celebrations or any other occasion.
Jean-Michel Stéphan is an indisputable winemaker, an uncompromising winemaker, who combines respect for the past and modernity. Its artisanal approach, its attachment to tradition, as well as its commitment to natural wine make it a major player in its appellation.
