France · Southwest · Courrensan
In the rolling hills surrounding Courrensan, in the Gers department of southwestern France, lies Domaine Jean Daugé – a small, uncompromising producer of natural wine with deep roots in local tradition. Today, the domaine is run by Sébastien Fézas, who inherited it from his family and has ushered it into a new era of organic farming and biodynamic inspiration. The estate spans roughly 30 hectares of vineyards, though only a small portion – around two hectares – is used for Sébastien’s own wines, produced in small quantities with a focus on purity, energy, and terroir.
The soils are rich in clay and limestone, and the vineyards are planted with both local and classic grape varieties: Syrah, Tannat, Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Petit Manseng. Everything is farmed without chemical inputs or synthetic fertilizers, and the same philosophy guides the cellar work: no added sulfites, no fining, and only spontaneous fermentation using the grapes' native yeasts. The wines are vinified in concrete tanks and allowed to express themselves without technical manipulation.
One of the estate’s signature wines is “Pistache” – a dark and structured red with notes of licorice, black olive, and southern French garrigue. It’s a wine that shows just how much character and sense of place can fit in a glass when the winemaker dares to step aside and let nature take the lead.
Domaine Jean Daugé is not a winery that shouts for attention, but rather a quiet statement that real wine needs no filter. This is biodynamic wine made with respect for the earth, low yields, and maximum grape expression – a raw and honest interpretation of Sud-Ouest, where both wine and winemaker are given space to breathe.
