Emmanuel Poirmeur, the (under)marine winemaker of Domaine EgiaTegia

Get your masks and snorkels ready, we're going to meet Emmanuel Poirmeur, our (underwater) winemaker from the EgiaTegia estate . An encounter with a bold and passionate winemaker.

Drawing on his extensive experience in France, Italy, Central and South America, Emmanuel took the bold step in 2007 of planting his vines on the Urrugne cliff, not far from Hendaye.

In 2009, the project became a reality. The Chardonnay vines perched on this small corner of the Basque Country, with its clay soil, benefit from constant winds that often reach speeds of around 110 km/h, thus preventing disease and enhancing the vines' growth. As Emmanuel likes to say, "Here, viticulture is a battle." The cultivation of this grape variety, more commonly grown in Champagne or Burgundy, is nevertheless perfectly suited to the climatic conditions of this region.

All that was missing was the winemaker's gentle madness to bring EgiaTegia – Atelier des Vérités (Workshop of Truths) in Basque – to life. Emmanuel breaks the mold, shakes up traditions. In the Basque Country, where orchards flourish and vineyards recede, Emmanuel takes the gamble of cultivating vines to protect the coastal environment and even… use the sea in a new way. Setting out to conquer the seabed, he vinifies two traditional grape varieties (Colombard and Ugni Blanc) to create his DenaDela , in the bay of Socoa in Saint Jean de Luz… 15 meters below the sea!

But why make wine underwater?

While part of Emmanuel's winemaking process is carried out in a traditional manner, the other part is done according to an incredible concept, totally unprecedented in France!

Indeed, to obtain a slightly sparkling wine and its unique lemony aroma, Emmanuel did not hesitate to submerge his vats 15 meters underwater for several months in the calmest spot in the bay.

What motivated him? The fermentation of wines underwater takes place under optimal conditions: stable temperatures (between 11 and 13 degrees), pressure and agitation, a unique patented process!

Wine cellars by the sea for perfect harmony

Emmanuel also completely renovated the old gunpowder store at Fort Socoa, whose buildings date back to the 17th century. The site, buried on three sides, provides optimal aging conditions.

And Emmanuel, could you tell us a little about yourself? 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 grape varieties. In short, a red wine that is both robust and delicate, which few would dare to attempt if they didn't already exist.

If you had to define your temperament in one or two words?

Skeptical and absurd, in a word, a pataphysician

Do you have an anecdote to share with us?

A spontaneous 100m run on… barrels with one of my mentors in a legendary wine cellar!

A meeting that left a lasting impression on you?

Thermodynamics…

What do you find unbearable about the world of wine?

All certainties, especially those conveyed with and despite major scientific misinterpretations.
Those who use disparagement of others' work as a selling point to sell their wines.