Kewin "Kéké" DescombesThe Young Gun
Son of Georges Descombes, half-brother to Damien Coquelet. Started at age 21 with four hectares. AC/DC lover, semi-carbonic evangelist, and one of Beaujolais' brightest young talents.
From son of Georges to AC/DC-loving vigneron
Kewin "Kéké" Descombes is the son of Georges Descombes—the highly respected Beaujolais winemaker and close friend of the Gang of Four (Métras, Foillard, Dutraive, et al.). Despite his father's fame, Kéké wasn't initially set on becoming a winemaker. He spent his early years in the village of Chambon, far from Villié-Morgon, living with his mother and rarely spending time with his father.
However, Georges' positive influence eventually proved decisive. After finishing his studies, Kéké earned his BTSA degree in Viti-Oeno and worked as an intern with Marc Thévenet in Morgon (Jean-Paul Thévenet's son), then at Domaine de la Provenquière in the Languedoc. On his return from the south of France, he took a position at Jean-Paul Brun's Domaine des Terres Dorées, where he stayed for three years [^222^].
"I work a lot on the grape's cellular respiration and the freshness of the clusters: this is what I call semi-carbonic maceration."
In 2013, at just 21 years old, Kéké produced his first vintage under his own name, starting with only 4 hectares. He now rents 1.6 hectares in Morgon from a retired vigneron, farms 1.15 hectares of Beaujolais, and has taken over some of his father Georges' vines. He's also considered part of the so-called "Boke" scene—a new generation of natural Beaujolais winemakers.
Semi-carbonic, concrete, and Back in Black
Kéké farms approximately 4 hectares spread across multiple parcels: 1.15 hectares of Beaujolais (40-45 year old vines), 1.6 hectares rented in Morgon from a retired vigneron, and some of his father Georges' vines (which Georges still works alongside him). He also purchases organic fruit from a friend in Lantignié [^222^][^230^].
The farming is organic but not certified. In the cellar, Kéké employs a technique he calls "semi-carbonic maceration"—a method that focuses on grape cellular respiration and cluster freshness. Grapes are destemmed before fermentation, and temperatures are kept low to preserve acidity and aromatics. Aging occurs in used barrels and concrete tanks [^230^].
Sulfur usage is minimal—around 15-20 mg/L at bottling only. The wines are unfiltered and unfined. And yes, he loves AC/DC—sometimes you can feel that rock-and-roll energy in the wines.
- Semi-carbonic maceration
- Cellular respiration focus
- Concrete & used barrels
- 15-20 mg/L SO2
- Unfiltered & unfined
- AC/DC vibes
The Descombes-Coquelet Dynasty
Georges Descombes
The father. A legendary figure in Beaujolais, close friend of the Gang of Four, and highly respected vigneron. Georges still works alongside Kéké, teaching him the ropes and sharing his wisdom. Though Kéké grew up mostly with his mother in Chambon, Georges' influence eventually drew him to the vines [^222^].
Damien Coquelet
The older half-brother. Son of Georges' partner/wife (making him Kéké's stepbrother), Damien has been making wine since 2007 and mentored Anthony Thévenet. The two brothers represent the new wave of Beaujolais—connected to the old guard through Georges, but forging their own paths [^222^][^229^].
Cuvée Kéké and Morgon magic
Cuvée Kéké
The young-vine Beaujolais—juicy, fresh, and immediately drinkable. This is Kéké's "glou-glou" cuvée, meant for casual drinking and good times. Semi-carbonic maceration keeps it fruity and vibrant, with minimal extraction. Perfect with friends, good music, and not too much thinking. The AC/DC of Beaujolais [^222^][^228^].
Glou-glou
Fresh & juicy
Party wine
Morgon
From 1.6 hectares rented in Morgon (from a retired vigneron who Kéké helped with harvest in exchange for vines). This is more structured and complex—semi-carbonic maceration with more depth and aging potential. Shows the classic Morgon terroir with Kéké's signature freshness. Aged in used barrels and concrete [^222^][^230^].
Semi-carbonic
Concrete aged
Structured
Morgon Vieilles Vignes
From older vines in Morgon—more concentrated, more complex, more everything. This cuvée shows what Kéké can do with serious material. Still maintaining his fresh, vibrant style but with added depth and structure. The wine that proves he's not just a "young gun" but a serious vigneron with aging potential [^222^].
Concentrated
Age-worthy
Serious Morgon
Lantignié
From purchased organic fruit in Lantignié, sourced from a friend. Kéké applies the same semi-carbonic technique to this fruit, creating a wine that's fresh, fruity, and accessible. Shows his versatility and connections within the Beaujolais community. Sometimes labeled simply as Beaujolais-Villages [^222^].
Lantignié
Friend's vineyard
Fresh & fruity
The New Generation
Kéké Descombes represents the new wave of Beaujolais—young, energetic, and connected to the region's legendary history through his father Georges, yet determined to forge his own path. Starting at just 21 with 4 hectares, he has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the region.
His semi-carbonic maceration technique—focusing on cellular respiration and cluster freshness—produces wines that are vibrant, juicy, and unmistakably honest. Whether it's the party-ready Cuvée Kéké or the more serious Morgon Vieilles Vignes, these are wines made with AC/DC blasting in the cellar and a commitment to pure, natural expression. The future of Beaujolais is in good hands [^222^][^230^].
- First vintage 2013 (age 21)
- Son of Georges Descombes
- Half-brother to Damien Coquelet
- 4 hectares (owned + rented)
- 1.15 ha Beaujolais (40-45 years)
- 1.6 ha Morgon (rented)
- Organic (not certified)
- Semi-carbonic maceration
- Cellular respiration focus
- Concrete & used barrels
- 15-20 mg/L SO2
- Unfiltered & unfined
- Part of "Boke" scene
- AC/DC enthusiast