Patrick Piuze's journey from Montreal, Canada, to the heart of Burgundy in 2000 was nothing short of exhilarating. What began as a mere one-month internship alongside Olivier Leflaive burgeoned into an extraordinary odyssey, propelling him to the forefront of Chablis winemaking in a whirlwind of excitement and innovation.
In less than three weeks of working alongside him, Olivier Leflaive discerned the raw talent within the young Piuze and extended him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to spearhead the creation of a new winery in Chablis. For four remarkable years, Patrick crafted the Chablis of Leflaive, followed by a year of producing Chablis at Verget, and a subsequent three-year tenure as winemaker at Jean-Marc Brocard. Armed with an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience within the appellation, Patrick embarked on his solo venture, marking the dawn of the 2008 vintage.
As an outsider, Patrick's perspective on the traditions and terroirs of Chablis brims with an unmatched fervor and respect—a sentiment that infuses his winemaking endeavors. This profound reverence led him to focus solely on vines planted in the original Chablis appellation, reflecting an unwavering belief in the wisdom of the monks who first cultivated these lands. "I think the monks got it right," Patrick muses.
Through years of meticulous exploration and collaboration with esteemed growers, Patrick has cultivated not only an intimate understanding of Chablis' diverse terroirs but also fostered deep relationships with its finest vineyard custodians. Leveraging this extensive network, Patrick sources fruit from some of Chablis' most coveted sites, including six Premier Crus and six of the seven Grand Crus—an achievement that epitomizes his unwavering dedication to crafting wines of unparalleled distinction and allure.