Jean-Michel acquired a couple of unique plots (a total of 4.5 ha. in Côte-Rôtie) on the southern slopes in Tupin-Semons, which are entirely devoted to organic wine production. He has a small vineyard (< 1 ha) on the on the steep slopes of Côteaux de Bassenon planted with very old sérine vines (ancient syrah grape vines), which were planted between 1896 and 1902. At present, 60% of the vineyards are made up of cloned syrah, 30% sérine, and 10% viognier. In Verenay he has expanded the viognier with young, improved plants.Jean-Michel's somewhat unique working methods make him an outsider in the Côte-Rôtie. He uses macération (semi-)carbonique for all of his red wines. During the cuvaison process, the barrels are ‘covered’ with carbon dioxide, but this covering or ‘chapeau’ is frequently broken to let in oxygen and prevent reduction. This is common practice in the Beaujolais, where Jean-Michel received his training, but it is distinctly uncommon in the Northern Rhône. The end result is impressive: concentrated fruit, elegance and finesse are the themes running through his wines. The use of sulfites is highly controversial here, which can be seen in his sterile cellar: an underground box without windows or daylight.