Pierre-Michel Beheïty – A committed winegrower in Madiran
Characterful wines to discover at Aux 20 Plaisirs or to take away from the cellar side
Based in Aydie, in Damiens Estate, on the emblematic lands of Madiran, Pierre-Michel Beheïty is a winegrower deeply attached to his terroir and to working the vine.
Passionate about viticulture and winemaking, he trained for five years in viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux, before completing his path with training in agriculture and specialisations in organic farming, a direction that seemed essential to him for the future of viticulture.
A family estate transformed by a passion for the vine
The Damiens Estate originally belonged to his parents and operated in mixed farming. When Pierre-Michel takes over the farm at the time of their retirement, he chooses a change: to devote himself entirely to his passion, the vine.
The first steps towards organic farming begin as early as 2008. His father is convinced after a few years when he sees the benefits of these practices.
Today, the estate extends over 18 hectares of vines. Three hectares come from the previous generation as a memory .Pierre-Michel replanted the rest vine by vine, with patience and determination.
A pioneer of organic viticulture in Madiran
Pierre-Michel Beheïty is one of the winegrowers driving the organic conversion in his area.
Very involved in the life of the appellation, he shared his research and his experiences with other producers. they are cfive winegrowers began their conversion together, later inspiring other initiatives.
In an appellation that has some fifty winegrowers, this organic choice has allowed the estate to develop a distinctive and committed identity.
To support this transition, Pierre-Michel carried out numerous climatic and agronomic studies, in order to adapt his practices as well as possible to his terroir.
A family estate
Domaine Damiens remains above all a family business.
Marie, Pierre-Michel’s younger sister, works alongside him and supports him in:
- tastings
- customer relations
- the estate’s administrative management
An organisation that makes it possible to preserve the estate’s identity while developing its presence among wine lovers. Always curious and seeking improvement, Pierre-Michel is thinking about what comes next.
Precise winemaking in the service of the terroir
Today, the estate’s wines are aged using different methods in order to reveal each cuvée as well as possible:
- ageing in for part in barrel and buried vat for the cuvée Madiran Tradition
- ageing in carefully selected barrels, suited to the style sought and to the grape variety for others
- constant reflection on the impact of materials and livestock farming on the expression of the wine
This approach makes it possible to produce balanced, precise wines that respect the terroir.
A varied range that reveals all the richness of Madiran
Pierre-Michel now offers a very fine diversity of cuvées :
- Pacherenc du Vic Bilh dry and sweet
- Madiran Tradition, a pleasant surprise for those who are familiar with more tannic Madiran
- Madiran Saint-Jean, from a high hillside plot with old vines over 70 years old
- Two cuvées natural with no added sulphur, Yule and Ostara, conceived as wines to share with friends
A rare approach in this area, the estate also produces:
- Les Bulles d’Ostara, a sparkling wine low in alcohol, ideal for spring and summer
- A an original rosé cuvée, crafted from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon,
Each cuvée is the result of genuine research and experimentation work.
A passion passed on to the new generation
The love of the vine doesn’t stop there: Pierre-Michel passed on his passion to his daughter, who is currently continuing her studies at the Institut Supérieur du Vin in Montpellier.
A fine promise for the estate’s future.
A meeting not to be missed in Madiran
If you are passing through the Madiran region, take the time to meet Pierre-Michel Beheïty at Domaine Damiens.
With simplicity and sincerity, he will know how to help you (re)discover the wines of Madiran from a new perspective.
Currently available to discover at Aux 20 Plaisirs
Pierre-Michel Beheïty’s wines are available for tasting on site or cellar side for takeaway :
Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Dry
Bonestara – a light cuvée with no added sulphites
Madiran Tradition
Madiran Saint-Jean
Article written by Aux 20 Plaisirs – All rights reserved.
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