Domaine Rousset Peyraguey

Alain Dejean

Bordelais

Preignac

Alain Dejean represents the 12th generation of his family at Domaine Rousset-Peyraguey, a historic estate situated in the heart of the Sauternes region of Bordeaux. His grandfather, father, and himself were all born in the same room as the vineyard, underscoring a deep-rooted connection to the land. The Dejean family has refrained from using chemicals in their vineyards since the 1970s, and Alain has furthered this legacy by adopting biodynamic practices. He employs natural fertilizers derived from algae, volcanic lava, and ash, and plows the vineyards to maintain soil vitality. The estate encompasses 14 hectares spread across 58 parcels, with an average vine age of approximately 75 years. Although the Sauternes AOC rules allow chaptalization, strict pruning, and a minimum sugar content at harvest, Alain chooses to work outside these constraints whenever possible, prioritizing natural ripeness and authenticity, which contributes to the exceptional quality of the grapes.

While many Sauternes producers age their wines for approximately 18 to 24 months in new oak barrels, Dejean’s approach involves aging his wines for extended periods, often ranging from 4 to 8 years, and in some exceptional cases, up to 15 years. This prolonged aging occurs in a combination of old oak and acacia barrels, some over a century old, contributing to the development of complex flavors and aromas. Alain’s winemaking philosophy aligns with cosmic rhythms, as he consults lunar and astrological calendars to determine optimal harvest and vinification periods. In the cellar, he practices minimal intervention, allowing spontaneous fermentation and aging wines for extended periods. Some cuvées are protected by natural volcanic sulfur, while others are bottled without added sulfur dioxide and without filtration. This extended aging allows the wines to develop a deep golden color and rich, full-bodied texture, with flavors that gradually integrate, revealing notes of honey, dried fruits, and caramel. The wines are celebrated for their “drinkability,” with a long and satisfying finish, making them truly exceptional dessert wines.