Originally from Auvergne, Pierre Beauger reconnected with his roots by creating his own wine estate in 2001, after working for nearly 10 years with renowned winemakers in France and abroad. Trained in viticulture in Mâcon and with various professional experiences, he decided to return to his native region to restore and rehabilitate abandoned vineyards near Champeix and Montaigut-le-Blanc. In this adventure, he is supported by his father, a former farmer who helps him in cultivating the vines.
The estate is the fruit of many years' work, clearing and replanting. Pierre Beauger has patiently restored terraces that were once overgrown and abandoned. His work on once-forgotten vines focused on local varieties such as Gamay and Chardonnay, before planting new varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon, all grown using organic methods and without the use of pesticides or chemicals. In 2010, the estate already had 1.4 hectares of vines on the 3 hectares of land leased by Pierre Beauger.
Pierre Beauger's estate extends over about 3 hectares, located at altitudes between 500 and 620 metres on steep slopes, facing due south. These volcanic terraces benefit from a rich soil, made of basalt and marl, which gives exceptional minerality to the wines.
The estate's vineyard plots are cultivated according to strict organic methods, with minimal use of sulphur and Bordeaux mixture to protect the plants against diseases. In addition to viticulture, Pierre Beauger also focuses on the diversity of the surrounding fauna and flora, integrating wild plants and fruit trees on his terraces. This respect for the local ecosystem allows for a sustainable and natural approach to viticulture.
The grape varieties planted on the estate include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, and Syrah. Beauger favours mass selection, a method consisting of replanting from old vines, rather than uniformed clones, to guarantee genetic diversity and grape quality. The harvests, often late, are manual and subject to meticulous sorting to select only the healthiest bunches.
Vinification at Pierre Beauger's estate is totally non-interventionist, respecting the principles of natural wines. The wines are produced without any addition of chemical inputs or exogenous yeasts. Since 2003, no sulphur has been added during the vinification or ageing processes. All wines are naturally fermented with indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and are bottled without filtration or clarification.
The whites, often made from Chardonnay grapes, are gently pressed in an old pneumatic press. The juice then rests before being lowered by gravity into the barrels, where it ferments slowly. The reds, on the other hand, are fermented in whole bunches in plastic or cement vats. The fermentation of the reds is long, sometimes lasting several months, allowing for a gentle extraction of tannins and aromas.
The use of old barrels helps preserve the pure and fruity character of the wines, without adding woody notes. Pierre Beauger also ensures that his wines are bottled with metal capsules, thus guaranteeing their preservation, while avoiding cork taint problems.
Pierre Beauger produces several emblematic cuvées, all classified as "table wine" or "wine without protected geographical indication" (IGP), reflecting his rejection of traditional appellation systems, often too industrialised in his eyes. Among his cuvées, we find:
Champignon Magique: A legendary cuvée made from Chardonnay grapes, offering incredible aromatic complexity.
Potion Magique: A sweet Chardonnay, rare and unforgettable, marked by late harvests and patient ageing.
Vitriol: A powerful red wine, made from local grape varieties, with a beautiful tannic structure and exceptional ageing potential.
Jauny Rothen: A Pinot Gris with a unique character, with a beautiful mineral tension and remarkable finesse.
Le Grand Cru de Gergovie: A historic cuvée that celebrates the Gallic roots of the terroir.
These wines are distinguished by their depth, finesse, and purity, offering a unique sensory experience for natural wine enthusiasts.
Pierre Beauger's wines improve with time, and certain vintages are particularly prized by connoisseurs. Here is a list of years to look for: 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022...
These vintages, marked by varied climatic conditions, offer a wide range of nuances to be discovered over the course of tastings.
Auvergne is full of quality wine estates, each offering a unique interpretation of this volcanic terroir, such as Benoit Rosenberg, Henri Chauvet, Patrick Bouju, Mito Inoué...
Pierre Beauger perfectly embodies the spirit of Auvergne's natural wines, where passion and respect for nature are at the heart of each cuvée. His wines, atypical and deeply rooted in their volcanic terroir, offer an unparalleled tasting experience, blending finesse, minerality, and authenticity. For lovers of uncompromising wines, Pierre Beauger's wines are a true gem to discover and savour.