Originally founded in 1980 by Jocelyne and Michel Paquet as Domaine des Valanges, the domaine consists of 30 hectares in the Mâconnais village of Davayé. Today sons Jean-Baptiste, Mathieu, and Camille runthings. The Paquets employ organic and biodynamic methodology in their 50 plots. They are presently endeavouring to convert their properties to organic certification.

The brothers’ approach is to remain youthful, and to always be looking to the future. In 2014, the family expanded to include 2 hectares in Solutré-Pouilly, mostly within Pouilly-Fuissé. This was followed by the acquisition of 10 hectares in Mâcon. These expansions not only broadened the family holdings and potential volume of production, but also offered an opportunity to exhibit a greater expression of the Mâconnais as a whole. Moreover, with this growth, the brothers’ overall vision became more attainable; to produce high quality Mâconnais wines, that are priced to be accessible to a broader range of consumers. In 2018, the family began the conversion to organic practices. In 2019, the name was officially changed to Famille Paquet. In 2021, the conversion to organics was realised.

Emboldened by experience gained in wine regions in France, and without, brother Camille manages the vineyards and winery with an atypically open mind. Only natural products are utilysed in the vineyards. Each one is treated independently. Over time, with observation and data, each plot is understood and treated accordingly.

The Wines

Bourgogne Blanc 2021

Mineral-driven, clean, no apparent oak, but plenty of weight, ripe, herbaceous, but still taut with citrus and some tropicals.      

Saint-Veran 2020

70% in oak, 30% in stainless steel for 12 months, then 4 months on the lees. 100% Malolactic fermentation. Clay and limestone foils, with mostly south and south-east exposures, some north.

France has the ability to deliver jittery, vibrant whites, even when they have undergone 100% malo. Normally, extensive time spent on the lees is the key to this trick. This wine exemplifies this practice, as it is absolutely replete with green fruits (apples, citrus, et cetera) along with lemons, and grapefruit. Additionally, there are some non-fruit notes of honeysuckle, and some more textured sensations, not offering specific fruits. The acid is such that alkaline fish and cheeses will not clash, but rather meld with the wine.

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Pouilly-Fuissé 2019

Despite the presence of oak aging, this wine still jiggles with minerals and brightly-lit fruit. Lemon zest, golden apples, and hints of pineapple stand up firmly to say how-do. This is a bottle to put with your finest, favourite, ingredients like butter-drenched shrimp and lobster, Chantrelle mushrooms, consommé, and scallops. `