It was on my hunt for southern Rhone gems that my winemaker friend Denis Crespo gave me great advice. ‘Think about the Ventoux’ he told me, ‘the value and potential here is enormous’.

So when he connected me with Sebastien Vincenti of Domaine de Fondreche, arguably the Ventoux’s top producer, I couldn’t believe my luck.

Sebastien’s mum Nanou bought the property in 1991, and is still involved to this day, mainly keeping Sebastien grounded. Sebastien took over the running of the place in 2001, after learning how to make wine with Andre Brunel, the great Chateauneuf du Pape producer. Ever since he’s taken Fondreche from strength to strength.

Sebastien has 40 hectares under vine, and farms organically and biodynamically, with great care for the environment. The vineyard sits by the imposing Mont Ventoux, and strong winds blow off the mountain to keep the grapes nice and cool in the brutal southern French heat.

You end up with incredibly drinkable, characterful wines with beautiful freshness and elegance. Sebastien is one of the best winemakers in a region on the rise - and I’m thrilled to bring him to WineSpark.