Adventures in Winemaking: Maison du Cèdre at the Business France UK Tasting

Adventures in Winemaking: Maison du Cèdre at the Business France UK Tasting

It was mid-January when I, Arnaud Compas from Nexus Azeo, stumbled upon Maison du Cèdre at the Vin Tasting, organised by Business France UK. Among the sea of wine houses and ambitious labels, Maison du Cèdre stood out with an edge—a daring yet thoughtful approach to French winemaking that immediately captured my attention. Based in Bordeaux and established only in 2024, this house is already collaborating with wineries across France, including Burgundy, the Rhône, and the Loire Valley. Their ethos? Rediscovering tradition with a modern twist.

The Philosophy

Maison du Cèdre’s wines don’t just sit in a glass; they take you on a journey. With a focus on three essential elements, they deliver wines that are as bold as they are meaningful:

1. Crafting wines that tell unforgettable stories.

2. Perfecting the art of blending grape varieties for balance and depth.

3. Creating a clear sense of identity for every bottle.

Tasting these wines, I sensed their meticulous attention to ripeness, freshness, and texture. Through careful oak usage, vessel choice, and the magic of micro-oxygenation, they achieve an unmistakable silkiness and complexity. Each sip felt deliberate, yet effortless, leaving an impression that lingered long after.

The Wines Business France

Champagne - AOP Champagne - White - Pinot Meunier

Maison du Cèdre’s Champagne is like a wave of nostalgia. Notes of apple and sous bois intertwine, free of oak influence, creating an evocative and precise mouthfeel. A touch of salinity gives it an architectural edge, earning it a stellar 94/100. It’s the kind of Champagne you sip and remember.

Maison du Cèdre 2022 - Bourgogne - AOP Bourgogne - Red - Pinot Noir

Classic Wild cherry, and perfumed—this Bourgogne Pinot Noir is a celebration of fruit and structure. Gentle tannins are already softening, hinting at a bright future for this wine. A dash of white pepper adds complexity, while purplish fruit lingers beautifully on the finish. Scoring 91/100, it’s a standout in its category.

Château de Birazel Cuvée Romane 2020 - Bordeaux - AOP Bordeaux - White - Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris

The Cuvée Romane is a white blend that speaks of elegance and precision. Combining Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris, it avoids green pyrazine notes in favour of aromatic vibrancy and texture, making it a worthy 90/100 in my book.

Château de Birazel Cuvée Paulus 2020 - Bordeaux - AOP Bordeaux - Red - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère

Paulus 2020 proves that Carménère has a place in Bordeaux. This late-ripening grape brings layers of depth and richness, harmonising with fruit-forward notes and mellow tannins. Approachable yet intriguing, it scored an impressive 94/100 and left me wanting more.

Château de Birazel Cuvée Auguste 2020 - Bordeaux - AOP Bordeaux - Red - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère

The Auguste 2020 is a revelation. Dubbed a “garage wine,” it exceeds all expectations with its deep fruit, sous bois complexity, and red-fruit-driven umami finish. The perfect extraction and balance showcase the winemaking vision behind this near-perfect 96/100.

The Takeaway

Discovering Maison du Cèdre at the Business France UK tasting was like finding a hidden treasure. These wines don’t just reflect terroir—they redefine it. From the nostalgic charm of their Champagne to the bold brilliance of their Bordeaux blends, Maison du Cèdre is reshaping what it means to craft wine in France. Their daring philosophy, paired with an unwavering commitment to quality, makes them a name to watch. If you’re looking for wines that take you on a journey, Maison du Cèdre is a must-explore adventure.

To discover their range please get in touch with https://en.chateaudebirazel.com/