Domaine Josette et Michele, established in 2022 in Mont-Roc, Tarn, sits at 600 meters in the Montagne Noire, near the Monts de Lacaune and Haut Languedoc Natural Park. Co-founded by Jeanne and Philippe “Fifi” Essomme, the domaine reflects their diverse experiences in wine.
A long time friend and partner to ZRS, Fifi’s journey began in New York, where he opened “The Ten Bells,” one of the city’s first natural wine bars, in 2008. He later worked as a wine importer in Brooklyn, and distributor across the US. Jeanne, rooted in winemaking since her childhood in Burgundy, brings hands-on experience from harvesting grapes with family and friends.
Currently sourcing all grapes, Jeanne and Fifi are preparing for their first vineyard production planted in March 2023.
“There are few people in this industry that have been on the ground floor as long as Fifi. I can remember vividly going into Ten Bells and trying to sell him wine back in 2008. I think a lot of my early importing had something to do with finding wines that were interesting enough to grab his attention. Since those days Fifi has gone on to open a wine shop, develop an import portfolio, and now, the cycle of life has brought him back to his native France and into the life of the vigneron. We couldn’t be more proud to represent his wines. Much like all the things Fifi has done, these are unexpected and sprinkled with humor. He and his partner are making wine where you should be making blue cheese and they’ve been planting varieties long lost to a forgotten area. ” – Zev
