Introducing Olivier Cousin
We are over the moon to announce that @waywardimports is now working with Olivier Cousin.
Olivier is a legendary grower and one of the true pioneers of natural wine. He has farmed his family vines in Martigné-Briand (Anjou) with biodynamics, ploughing only by draft horse since the 80s and working in the cellar with strictly no additions for over 20 years.
Since then he has courted his fair share of controversy. His staunch anti-establishment provocations making him the scourge of the Anjou AOC board and, in the process, a symbol of defiance and an inspiration to many who followed.
It’s safe to say that Olivier gleefully became a pain in the backside of the authorities. His actions in support of his strongly held views that the official Anjou denomination was worthless as it promoted industrial methods in its wine. There is fantastic footage of him showing up to one of his court appearances on horseback, a barrel of his wine in tow to drink with supporters on the steps outside.
His enfant terrible days now more or less behind him, Olivier may have mellowed with age but is as principled as ever and his wine is grown and vinified in exactly the same way it always was – in a basic cellar full of manual equipment, with nothing added or removed at any stage.
As you’d imagine, the resulting wines have a earthly, elemental quality and are a true taste of Anjou. Rustic, bold and imbued with authenticity and soul, this is what we talk about when we talk about ‘real wine’.
After being harder to find in the UK in recent years, we’re immensely proud to shout about Oliver’s dedicated work once again and offer the full selection of his brilliant wine to lovers of the real deal, old and new.
Read a more detailed profile and find the wines here.