Domaine Derain / Julien Altaber

Born in the Auvergne region and raised in southern Burgundy, Julien Altaber's path began with childhood summers spent among cattle and tractors, instilling a deep connection to agricultural life. After secondary school, farming seemed the natural choice, but the realities of peasant agriculture led him toward the vineyards of the Mâconnais region.

At 16, Altaber's first winemaking internship proved transformative—the harvest, fermentation, and wine world captivated him completely. Following experiences across Mâconnais and Beaujolais, he spent two years at a Beaune trading house in 2000 before joining Dominique Derain's organic estate in Saint-Aubin in 2002.

Under Derain's mentorship, Altaber discovered organic farming, biodynamics, and natural winemaking while mastering every aspect of production. In 2007, encouraged by Dominique, he purchased his first Pinot Noir grapes, launching SEXTANT wines using borrowed facilities. By 2010, he acquired his first vineyard plot, expanded in 2013 with a winery in Saint-Aubin and plots in Pommard, and planted an additional half-hectare in 2015.

Julien and his partner Carole Schwabb purchased Domaine Derain from Dominique upon his retirement and this has been a wonderful generational change.

They continue tending the vines biodynamically and making their wines in a non-interventionist way as well. This has always formed the basis of Domaine Derain.

The Saint-Aubin appellation is one of the hidden secrets of Burgundy because the vineyards border those of the premier crus of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet but do not command anywhere near their price.