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