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CLAUDE HILT WAS THE ORIGINAL DRIVING FORCE
BEHIND MAISON SAFRANIER
ISABELLE THOMAS MOINE
original vineyard sites. In 2020, Claude Hilt and Isabelle Thomas Moine embarked on a new
challenge and created Maison Safranier with the ambition of developing mould-breaking,
enterprising wines. “The countryside around Rasteau has distinctive rolling hills”, explains
Thomas Moine. “The location creates a range of microclimates offering the opportunity to
choose the best aspect for each grape variety, based on their specific needs in terms of sunshine
and airflow”. Rasteau is home to substantial biodiversity with an array of flora and fauna that
contribute to environmental balance in the vineyards and have a positive impact on vine health
and the quality of the fruit. “We don’t feel that there is any rivalry, but rather complementarity
between us and appellations like, say, Châteauneuf-du-Pape”, says Hilt. “The two growths offer
outstanding showcases for the variety of vineyard sites in the Rhone Valley. Rasteau displays
distinctive generosity and power, whereas Châteauneuf-du-Pape is valued for its finesse and
freshness. Rasteau is a renowned appellation, boasting a long-standing history and established
reputation for quality which facilitates sales in international markets”. Maison Safranier
produces a wide selection of wines, ranging from powerful, complex reds to generous sweet
dessert wines. This variety helps it match the differing tastes and preferences of consumers
globally from the heart of a region replete with internationally renowned, top appellations.
MAISON LUMIAN & BONNEFOY: A WINNING COMBINATION
Organic winegrowers Gilles Phétisson and Caroline Bonnefoy have been working together
since 2005. They make their wines separately, from the 35-hectare Lumian vineyard for
Phétisson and at Bonnefoy for her. On sites located between 360 and 380 metres above sea
100 AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE