William is another talented French winemaker and recent winner of the GJPV (Young Burgundy Winemaker) award.
Prior to joining Jessiaume, Waterkeyn was the assistant winemaker at Maison Alex Gambal in Beaune, after studying Oregon Pinot Noir at A to Z Wineworks/Rexhill in Newburg, Oregon. “My desire has always been to work in Burgundy. But prior to that, I wanted to experiment different things, see different places and different styles of winemaking. In order to learn and gain experiences, I have been, during and after my studies, to the northern Rhône Valley, Oregon, and of course throughout Burgundy. These travels and observations were essential to the evolution of my winemaking philosophy.” Working closely with Megan McClune and Keith Murray at Domaine Jessiaume, Waterkeyn facilitated profound changes in both vineyard and cellar to organic practices.
The estate produces 2/3 pinots to 1/3 chardonnays. Their star wine? Santenay 1er Cru les Gravières: solid and silky with dark berry notes. Wild, earthy and slightly rustic, this lovely red wine has buckets of charm.
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