Maison Skyaasen

Meursault, Burgundy, France

The story of the micro-négoce project Maison Skyaasen does not begin like many others within the wine sector. Joachim Skyaasen does not come from a winemaking family or even from a wine-producing country. And neither does he come from the wine trade or a background somehow related to farming or viticulture. 

Joachim was born in a small town in Eastern Norway where he spent all of his childhood. The experience of growing up near nature would prove instrumental in influencing an eventual return to rural life following a 10-year career in the finance sector both in Zurich and London. 

 

Wine became a hobby for Joachim in the late 2000s, and whilst he was exposed to many wines from all over, he developed a particular affinity for the traditions, culture and history of Burgundy. Following a few trips as a tourist and closely following the burgeoning scene of young negoce winemakers he made the decision to go do a harvest in 2017 with producer Nick Harbour, an experience that would end up completely changing the course of his and his family's life. 

This set in motion a series of events that involved leaving his previous career, moving to Burgundy, enrolling in viticulture and oenology school, getting employed by biodynamic estate Chandon de Briailles, and of course the start of his own winemaking journey. 

He started with one barrel of Savigny-Les-Beaune in 2017 which was made again in 2018, and slowly expanded in 2019 with the addition of a Pernand Vergelesses white, Monthélie, Bourgogne Côte d'Or, and a Pommard, a range that has since expanded to various new cuvées and appellations. With the exception of his Savigny which is farmed with 'lutte raisonée' principles, the grapes are all sourced from organic or biodynamic growers. 

Joachim's progression as a winemaker is absolutely astounding and incredibly impressive when tasting across his very first vintages. He very quickly realised the style of wine he wanted to create and from his second vintage he moved to working with mainly whole cluster vinifications, very gentle extractions, little to no sulphite additions, and no corrections, fining or filtration. 

Over the last few years we've spent a bit of time in Burgundy in search of producers. We've visited many interesting growers at different stages of their careers and tasted a lot of great wines. Joachim's wines have been absolute standouts for us despite the relative youth of his project and we were honoured to bring these wines on board so early on. 

There is an energy and focus here that we rarely come across, and a special instinct that drives these wines forward into the realm of absolute purity and crystal clear definition. Wines rooted in Burgundian tradition and feel, but with a view to the future.