At 18, he chose to build upon his winemaking education, attending the Macon Viticultural School in Burgundy, earning a degree in Viticulture and Enology. This allowed him to learn more about the vinicultural side, adding to his viticultural knowledge. He then went on to study further in Bordeaux, earning his Diplôme national d'oenologue in Enology. This rounded out his knowledge and understanding of the entire winemaking process from grape to glass and also expanded his network of contacts and regional expertise. While in school, he worked across many of the best winemaking regions in France, including Beaujolais, Burgundy, Bordeaux , Sauternes, Côte-Rôtie and Languedoc-Roussillon.
Over his years as a winemaker, Florent has enjoyed working, not only in his home country of France, but also abroad in Switzerland, many regions of Australia, Chile, Argentina and California, even working for a brief time at Stags’ Leap Winery. His time spent abroad provided a great understanding of many different varietals and terroirs, expanding his knowledge of ‘New World’ winemaking techniques. Florent’s vision as a winemaker is to allow the fruit to show its fullest potential with minimal winemaking intervention, allowing for the finesse and elegance of each wine to express itself. As his father taught him, it’s always important to pay attention to nature, the soil, the climate, and the plant before making any decision.
Florent also earned a Master of Business from the HEC School of Management in Paris, specializing in marketing. He went on to work as a Sales Representative for Baron Philippe de Rothschild Distribution and Champagne Roederer, which allowed him to leverage his skills learnt at business school, gaining invaluable experience working with high-end luxury brands and focusing on the best on-premise hoteliers and Michelin-rated restaurants of Paris. He has lived all around the world and has an amazing global perspective on various markets, having worked and lived abroad in many countries, including Australia, USA, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and Martinique in the French West Indies.
As the Maison de Grand Esprit Winemaker, Florent combines his experience of classic ‘Old World’ techniques with ‘New World’ mentality and style. Sourcing from his extensive network and winemaking knowledge, the resulting wines challenge ‘traditional’ French style and sourcing norms.
With a love for all elements of wine culture and gastronomy, Florent currently resides in the Montmartre, Paris. In his spare time, Florent is an avid runner, training for triathlons and ultra trail long distance runs, as well as rowing. He also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, especially enjoying great meals together at one of Paris’ many Michelin-rated restaurants, or simply sharing an informal meal with a good bottle of wine, great bread and cheese.
