He made a career out of manufacturing false teeth, but now he cares for palates of a different kind. He was introduced to the area by Pierre Picot, a fellow outsider and first time vigneron. Knowing that his true vocation in life was to make wine, he enrolled for a one year viticultural course in Beaune in 1997 and then worked a stage with Bertrand Minchin at Domaine de la Tour Saint Martin in Menetou-Salon prior to investing in Châteaumeillant in March 2000. From the first modest purchase of 0.46 ares in the lieu-dit ‘les Combes’, by 2004 he had acquired seven hectares, and a decision needed to be made on his future. His dental practice was in Bourges, his home in Venemes (which now serves as his office and where he is also looking to reinstate lost vineyards), whilst at the same time tending his vines. The vines won.