Julien Altaber

Julien Altaber is a highly respected and influential natural winemaker based in Saint-Aubin, Burgundy, France. He is the driving force behind two distinct yet philosophically aligned projects: Sextant, his personal négociant label established in 2007, and since 2020, he has also taken on the stewardship of the iconic Domaine Derain, succeeding his mentor Dominique Derain.

Born and raised on a farm in southern Burgundy, Altaber developed an early passion for agriculture and wine. His path into winemaking was cemented when he began working with the legendary Dominique Derain at Domaine Derain in 2002. Under Derain's tutelage, Altaber deeply immersed himself in biodynamic farming practices and the minimalist principles of natural winemaking, absorbing knowledge that would define his own approach.

At Sextant, Altaber initially focused on sourcing high-quality, organically and biodynamically farmed grapes from trusted growers across Burgundy, including areas like Saint-Aubin, Puligny-Montrachet, and Pommard, as well as the Côte Chalonnaise and Beaujolais for some of his more experimental cuvées. His wines under the Sextant label are celebrated for their purity, precision, and vibrant fruit expression, often showcasing a daring, experimental side through skin-contact whites (orange wines), unique blends, and pét-nats, all made with absolutely no additions, including sulfur.

In 2020, after years of working side-by-side, Dominique Derain entrusted his eponymous domaine to Julien Altaber and his partner Carole Schwab. This transition ensures the continuation of Domaine Derain's legacy of biodynamic viticulture and non-interventionist winemaking, with Altaber now overseeing both projects from the same cellar in Saint-Aubin. While both Sextant and Domaine Derain maintain their distinct identities – Derain often being described as more classical in style, and Sextant allowing for broader experimentation – both reflect Altaber's unwavering commitment to producing "true wines": honest, authentic, and with maximum drinkability, reflecting their terroir without intervention or artifice.

Julien Altaber's dedication to healthy vineyards and hands-off cellar work has made him a leading voice in Burgundy's natural wine scene. His wines, whether under the Sextant or Derain label, are highly sought after by natural wine enthusiasts worldwide for their character, energy, and transparent reflection of the grape and origin.