The passion for wine from Dubai Towers to Domaine Dozon

Identity: Eric Santier
Profession: Winemaker
Region: Loire
Appellation: Chinon

Its property: The entire 14-hectare estate is located in the lieu-dit "Le Saut au Loup" in Ligré, on the left bank of the Vienne River, within the Chinon AOC. Spread across two soil types—clay-siliceous at the top of the slopes and clay-limestone at the bottom—the contiguous vineyard faces south and southeast. Owned by the Dozon family for five generations, Eric took over the estate in 2013.

His background… Why wine? Eric doesn't come from a winemaking family. Yet, born in Chinon, he knows this wine-growing heritage well, having grown up near it. After working in France and abroad in the food industry and then in wine marketing , promoting wines both domestically and internationally, he felt the need for a career change. He left Dubai and its skyscrapers to begin his training in Bordeaux, then worked for a year and a half at an estate in Chinon. Following this experience, he embarked on this exciting adventure of winemaking with Domaine Dozon.

His current situation: “We are currently considering implementing a new soil management system (vineyard management). In the long term, this new way of working could lead us to organic farming . Initially, it is essential to see how to evolve our vine cultivation and limit the use of chemicals. It is also about carrying out tests on the equipment and the plots so that we can gradually develop the vineyard.”

Its reincarnation as wine: A white from Burgundy : Meursault.

His favorite time of year: The one we are currently experiencing with the beginning of spring, which is synonymous with the start of warmer weather. The vine comes back to life: the first tears, then the buds and the growth of leaves.

His temperament: "Calm, composed, and thoughtful. I'm not really hot-headed! Perhaps it's my Libra side."

His defining encounter: When he had the opportunity to work with Bernard Baudry in Chinon ; a leading figure in the appellation. "He is a very humane person who takes pleasure in sharing his knowledge and passion for wine."

Avoid/you hate it : early springs like this year, with relatively warm temperatures early on, which cause nature to wake up, especially the vines, followed by risks of frost, until the "Ice Saints", as the ancients used to say….

Why Les Grappes? "I liked the project presentation. It's appealing and well-structured! A clear approach and a well-thought-out commercial and logistical organization."

What do you like about your job? "What I like most is definitely the diversity of my work. This work obviously begins in the vineyards with cultivating the land, then it moves to the winery where I step into the shoes of the oenologist. Finally, my work ends in the sales role with meeting and sharing with my clients."

Who is the most famous person to have taste your wine? " No fuss, a real tasting among friends or with clients. The rest is just window dressing."

A favorite of Les Grappes:
Domaine DOZON “Le Clos du Saut au Loup”: A balanced wine with a certain concentration and a beautiful finesse, ideal to accompany poultry or for a barbecue with friends.