With a rich tapestry of experiences that weave through his sommelier roots, studies Bordeaux, and an extensive journey through the world’s diverse wine regions – including Japan, Savoie, Cahors, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Australia – Courdesses brings a global perspective to his winemaking. His forays into sake production in Japan and beer brewing in Marrickville, alongside other fermented goods, have imbued his approach with a nuanced understanding of fermentation and flavor, culminating in the creation of his unique wine label in the vibrant community of Basket Range.
Uniquely all his wines are made using 100% whole-bunch, with no fining, no filtration, and no sulphur or 20ppm sulphur maximum, declares Courdesses. He cryptically describes his method with whole bunch: “As all my wines are 100% whole bunch, extraction is key. So, no extraction is the right extraction. I instead let the wines infuse to avoid any harsh, green tannins, grassy, green aromas.”
“I see wine like a medicine, like an elixir, like in the old days when it was used as a cure, a mood curator, a social lubricant, a body and soul magnifier. A wine should make you feel good, relaxed, jovial, and curious. So I am trying to make wines which reflect all these aspects and fulfill these points.”
Courdesses’ winemaking philosophy is eloquently captured in his own words: “I see wine like a medicine, like an elixir, like in the old days when it was used as a cure, a mood curator, a social lubricant, a body and soul magnifier. A wine should make you feel good, relaxed, jovial, and curious. So I am trying to make wines which reflect all these aspects and fulfill these points.” This perspective underscores his intention to craft wines that not only delight the palate but also nourish the soul, reflecting a deep connection to the ancient traditions of winemaking.
His first vintage in Basket Range in 2017 marked a pivotal moment, igniting a passion for the region’s tight-knit community, which he describes with fondness: “I did my first vintage in Basket Range in 2017 and from day one I was hooked by this community gravitating around that region with passion and love for nature, creativity, and caring for one another. Like a French countryside. That really encouraged me to find a place for my own creativity in the heart of that special place.”
This sense of belonging and mutual inspiration is a driving force behind his wines, which are as much a tribute to the community as they are to the land.
Courdesses’ commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in his meticulous winemaking process, where each wine is 100% whole bunch, with no fining or filtration, preserving the integrity and purity of the fruit. Even the bottles used at Jean Bouteille Wines are sourced locally from South Australia, a conscious choice to reduce carbon emissions associated with transport, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability.
From his winery in the Basket Range, Courdesses oversees the creation of wines that are not only reflective of the diverse terroirs of South Australia but also imbued with his personal touch and the collective spirit of the region. “I think the potential around Australian soils and grapes is still at its premises, so I wanted to take part in these explorations. The climate in SA is really interesting, and when it’s right, it makes incredible vintages. Plus, Porcini grow in the hills, what a treat,” he muses, highlighting his connection to the land and its bounty.
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