APOSTOLOS THYMIOPOULOS:

Five winemakers and what they taught me

‘When I opened my shop in Thessaloniki, I had no real knowledge of the world of wine, and everything was exciting, a discovery,’ says Apostolos Thymiopoulos. ‘When customers bought wines, I would always ask them what had influenced their choice, in order to get first-hand experience of the market. Today, when I’m with friends and family they always ask me to choose. Normally I’ll select organic wines for their purity and the way they reflect the winemaker’s expertise. I have winemaker friends all over the world. The five I name below have taught me so much, whether with a specific wine, or for their overall philosophy.’

Christophe Roumier, Burgundy: ‘I discovered Christophe’s Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses during a memorable tasting at the winery some years ago. He made me understand how important it is to make good use of the barrels to get the very best of a terroir that gives different fruit character every year, depending on the weather conditions.’

Jacques Selosse, Champagne: ‘From Jacques, I learned patience – a value that I appreciate in each of his wines.’

Jean-François Ganevat, Jura: ‘This estate’s wines encouraged me to push my own limits and, above all, never to stop experimenting.’

Domaine Gramenon, Rhône:

‘At Philippe Pinoteau’s restaurant Le Baratin in Paris, I discovered La Mémé, Côtes du Rhône rouge, which taught me to respect the fruit during winemaking and to express this in the wines I produce.’

Haridimos Hatzidakis, Santorini: ‘Haridimos taught me how to extract freshness from fire – that is, how to produce wines with freshness and finesse from a hot volcanic terroir.’