Wine Aged 15 Meters Underwater in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Grab your masks and snorkels—we’re off to meet Emmanuel Poirmeur, the underwater winemaker at the EgiaTegia estate! In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, discover what lies hidden at the bottom of the bay…

Emmanuel Poirmeur’s Wild Dream: Vineyards in the Basque Country

After traveling the world to explore vineyards (in Italy, Central and South America, and elsewhere), Emmanuel took a bold gamble in 2007 by planting his vines on the Urrugne cliff, not far from Hendaye.

In 2009, the project became a reality. Emmanuel broke with convention and challenged tradition. In the Basque Country, he took on the challenge of growing grapes to protect the coastal environment and even… find new ways to use the sea.

Emmanuel Poirmeur invents underwater winemaking

To create a lightly sparkling wine with its one-of-a-kind citrus aroma, Emmanuel didn’t hesitate to submerge his vats 15 meters underwater for several months in the calmest part of the bay. What motivated him? Underwater wine fermentation takes place under optimal conditions: stable temperatures (between 11 and 13 degrees), pressure, and agitation—a unique, patented process!

A Profile of Emmanuel Poirmeur, the Unconventional Winemaker at Domaine EgiaTegia

If you had to embody a wine? A Côte-Rôtie for the marriage of red and white grape varieties, or a Cabardès for the blend of Bordeaux and Languedoc varieties. In short, a red wine that is both robust and delicate—one that, if it didn’t already exist, few would dare to attempt.

If you had to describe your personality in one or two words? Skeptical and absurd—in a word, a pataphysician

Do you have a story to share? A spontaneous 100-meter dash on… wine barrels with one of my mentors in a legendary winery!

Was there an encounter that left a lasting impression on you? Thermodynamics…

What really gets on your nerves about the wine world? All the dogmas, especially those that are promoted despite—or even in the face of—major scientific inaccuracies. People who, in order to sell their wines, use disparaging remarks about others’ work as selling points.

Find EgiaTegia on Les Grappes

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