Top 10 influential wine consultants
4. Stephane Derenoncourt
Stephane Derenoncourt (left) at work in the Boxwood vineyards
Clients: Mainly in Bordeaux, including Domaine de Chevalier, Beauséjour and Prieuré Lichine. His international reach covers India, Spain, Austria, Italy, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Ukraine and the US, where Derenoncourt works with Inglenook in California and Boxwood in Virginia.
“If you’re looking to communicate the differences in site then Derenoncourt will really help with that,” says Mark Andrew, senior buyer at Roberson Wine, of this Bordeaux-based consultant. “He’s really focused on the vineyard and how to get the best from your fruit if it’s on clay, sand or gravel, which is really important somewhere like the Gironde.”
This viticulturally-focused ethos has won fans further afield. According to Rachel Martin, executive vice-president at Boxwood Estate Winery in Virginia, “Stephane has taught us to respect the vineyard and the fruit. Indeed, she confirms: “Stephane has been our most effective method of improving our wines.”
In other aspects of his work however, Derenoncourt has proved rather more controversial. Earlier this year he outlined in some detail his method of vinifying an entirely separate parcel of wine to create “some little dolls” for his clients to show to trade buyers and critics during Bordeaux’s annual primeurs tastings.
Amazingly, you left out David Ramey who Robert Parker claimed as one of the best in our industry!
I’ve always maintained that there are only two stories to tell in all of fine wine promotion: the ” hallowed ground” story and the “magic chef” story. Now the “magic chefs” come to the “hallowed ground” where ever it may be. What a wonderful world this is!
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So proud to see my mentor Mr. Boissenot and his son as the number one. You have his this spot on in ranking as best you could. Mr. Boissnot and his family are top notch and have taught me so very much. A Votre Sante !
Not a mention of Philippe Melka or Guy Anderson……
solid list and respect to wine consultants in shaping the wine supply chain and building wine brands!
Philippe Cambie and Philippe Melka would like to have a word with you…
You also left out Nick Goldschmidt. Over 30 years in the industry, consulting all over the world and makes some really amazing wines.
i like to set up a plant and seeking for consultancy
We are looking at setting up a wine import branding and sales platform and are on a look out for Wine Consultants and Tasters to guide us select some good wines from each wine producing region. Look forward to your inputs on this.