Today, the list of FV labels makes the head spin, but not his wines, which keep their Northern style even whilst heading South. Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Péray – everywhere, François Villard is the master of delicacy, with a sizeable talent for producing highly ageable wines still enjoyable when young… And a cheeky penchant for rustling up cuvées as and when the mood takes him: no mention of appellation, just amazing monikers – Doux Contours “Smooth Contours”), Seul en Scène (“Alone on Stage”)… We must reach beyond beliefs, rules and customs, seems to be the message of François Villard, who cares little for tasting scores and fashions.
Faithful to his desire for freshness, mineral fruit and balance in the glass, and attentive to his taste-buds, which are always employed, from the vine to the bottle, he is firmly attac hed to his idea of wine: what matters is pleasure.