The Greek Connection: When Friendship Meets Volcanic Terroir

Most great learning happens in groups. Collaboration is not merely a buzzword for us; it is the very stuff of growth. It is the friction that creates sparks and the harmony that produces excellent wine. This philosophy was the driving force behind our decision

to build a bridge between France and Greece, accepting the invitation from

Basil and Yoan—the dynamic duo behind "Le Sommelier Fou" and the renowned

"Vin des Potes" label.

Known for travelling across Europe to create unique cuvées with exceptional winemakers, their project is built on a simple yet powerful premise:

Wine should be a catalyst for connection. When the project was first conceived,

the energy was palpable. It brought together passionate minds to explore

what the Greek vineyard could offer.

The foundation was laid when the team paid a visit to our home ground: the island of Samos. However, this was not a typical holiday visit. It was a quest for the island's specific energy. We spent days walking the vineyards together during the critical

pre-vintage period, scouting for the perfect plot that would define this collaboration.

After a guided tour through Samos's diverse microclimates—from the high-altitude terraces to the sea-swept slopes—the decision was unanimous. We were all magnetically drawn to the volcanic soil.

For the uninitiated, volcanic terrain might seem hostile. It is "tight," dry, and unforgiving. But for a winemaker, this struggle is precisely where the magic lies. In these soils, the vines have to work harder, digging their roots deep into the basalt to find nutrients and moisture. This stress results in lower yields but fruit of incredible concentration, high acidity, and a distinct mineral backbone that cannot be replicated in fertile plains. We knew immediately: this was the canvas for the "Greek Connection."

The mission was to interpret Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in a way that respects its aromatic heritage while stripping away its sweetness to reveal its raw structure.

The result of this synergy is two distinct labels that express the honesty of the Samos terroir:

First, a Dry Muscat. Sharp, precise, and electric. It captures the floral nose typical of the variety but delivers a salty, mineral finish driven by the volcanic rock. It is a wine that speaks of the sea and the stone.

Second, a Maceration (Skin Contact) edition. Here, we allowed the skins to stay with the juice, extracting texture, tannins, and a complex phenolic character. This is the wilder sibling, a wine that challenges the traditional perception of Samian Muscat.

Projects, much like wine, are living organisms: they mature and evolve. While the genesis of this beautiful collaboration included the valuable contribution of

Jason Ligas, in its early experimental days—before he left the island to focus

On his personal project in Central Greece, the project has since found its permanent rhythm and home at the United Winemakers of Samos (UWC), under my direct and personal supervision at every critical stage.

This is a strategic decision, as partnering with the island's historic guardian

ensures us exclusive access to the mountain vineyards. It allows us to combine

the Cooperative's infrastructure, with a boutique, hands-on approach, guarantees

that our natural winemaking achieves the precision, stability, and purity

required by our shared vision with Yohan & Basil.