Karim Vionnet – The Arab In Your Wine

“Sex, Rock and Gamay” – It’s the phrase that adorns Karim Vionnet’s blue t-shirt in small white font, perfectly demonstrating the unapologetic, carefree spirit of this larger-than-life and talented vigneron.  

 

Nelson: You were born in Lyon but raised in Morgon. Was wine a big part of your life growing up?

Karim: Yes and No. Growing up there was always a bottle of wine on the table at home but I didn’t come from a winemaking family. My father was an artisan by trade and didn’t make a lot of money. At the age of 10, I started working in the vineyards to make a bit of pocket money for myself. 

Nelson: Prior to becoming a winemaker, you were a baker by trade. What was it that motivated you to pursue a career in winemaking?

Karim: I grew up in the same neighborhood as Marcel Lapierre and was good friends with his nephew, Christophe Pacalet.  Every year on the 14^thof July, Marcel would do a Moroccan lamb roast.  Marcel would always go to the tanks and syphon off a few bottles to throw on the table. After he was done, Christophe and I would go over to the tanks and drain off whatever wine was left from the tubes. I loved the whole experience and knew one day I would make my own wine. 

Nelson: Who have been some of the most influential people in your career as a winemaker?

Karim: Growing up, I was surrounded by incredibly talented winemakers. Around the age of 18, I decided to pursue a career in winemaking and knew from that early moment that I wanted to make wine naturally, similar to the people I was around – Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, etc. My career in wine started after serving in the army. I worked with the brother of Jean-Paul Thevenet for 11 years and learned a tremendous amount about wine during that time. 

Nelson: How would you describe your winemaking style in 5 words or less?

Karim: Respect of nature, have/give pleasure and family

Nelson: Where do you source your fruit from?

Karim: Techinically, I’m a negociant but I do a lot of the farming myself. I oversee the organic farming and vinification of 5 hectares of plots around Beaujolais, most of which are 40 to 60-year-old vines. Currently, I grow about 60% of the fruit myself. The remaining 40% I purchase from other growers. By next year, I expect that ratio to be closer to 50/50. I’m currently working with a few growers to convert their vines to organic farming but it takes time to convince them to move in this direction. It’s a slow process that could easily take another 4-5 years.  

Nelson: What do you enjoy drinking when you’re not drinking Beaujolais? 

Karim: I’m hardly ever not drinking Beaujolais but I do love wines from the Loire Valley. 

Nelson: What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of the wine business?

Karim: Connecting with people across the business, other growers/producers, importers, etc., and seeing the evolution of my wines and the acceptance they’re getting around the world is very rewarding for me. 

Nelson: You’ve been producing your own wines for approximately 13 years now, what has been the most challenging aspect of your journey?

Karim: Well, the challenges actually started even before that. I wanted to start making wine in 2001 but given that I wasn’t the son of a winemaker or vineyard owner, it was absolutely impossible to find land. It took a lot of time to piece together disparate parcels in order to start producing my own wine. My parcels being so disparate continues to be a challenge for me till this day. Another major challenge has been the need to constantly lease space to produce my wines. 

Nelson: What are some things on the horizon that you’re excited about?

Karim: In the near future, I’m looking forward to a successful harvest. Beyond that, I’m excited to be able to invest more into my business. Perhaps in a bigger space that enables me to operate without the constraints of the space I’m currently in.  

Nelson: If you could open a bottle of wine with any three people (living or deceased) who would they be?

Karim: My father because he was a bit cynical when I started making natural wine, Marcel Lapierre because I would love for him to see the evolution of my wines and my family and friends who have helped me over the years but knowing them, one bottle wouldn’t cut it. It would have to be a magnum at the very least!   

Nelson: If you could you give the younger Karim just embarking on his career in wine any piece of advice, what would it be?

Karim: You’re going to work your ass off. But don’t worry, it will all be worth it. 

TVP Recommendations

2017  BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES

Ruby red color, a juicy wine with bright red fruit, nice acidity, well balanced and good length. Enjoy Now.

Farming: Biodynamic

Alcohol %: 11.5

Final Note

If you’re a fan of Cru Beaujolais producers such as Yann Bertrand, Jean Folliard and Yvon Metras, then I urge you to seek out the wines of Karim Vionnet and enjoy the Arab in your wine! 

Know your winemaker, know your wine