Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

Kéké Descombes is a highly regarded natural wine producer based in Villié-Morgon, located in the heart of the Beaujolais region in eastern France. Founded and led by Kewin Descombes, son of acclaimed winemaker Georges Descombes, the winery has rapidly earned recognition in the global wine scene for its authentic expression of Beaujolais terroir through minimal intervention winemaking.

Heritage and Philosophy

Carrying forward the family tradition, Kewin—affectionately known as "Kéké"—began vinifying his own wines in 2013 at the age of 21. He combines his deep-rooted exposure to traditional methods with a modern, progressive stance on natural winemaking. The winery operates with a strong ethos of sustainability, artisanal practices, and terroir expression.

Kéké Descombes focuses on natural wine production, emphasizing:

• Organic and biodynamic vineyard practices
• Native yeast fermentation
• Minimal to no sulfur use
• Unfiltered, unfined bottling

Vineyard and Terroir

The estate farms approximately 15 hectares of vineyards, mainly in the appellations of Morgon, Beaujolais-Villages, and Beaujolais. Key vineyard features include:

• Old vines, some over 70 years old
• Granite and schist soils, lending minerality and structure
• Low-yield cultivation (avg. 30–40 hl/ha)

The vineyards are maintained without synthetic chemicals, and harvesting is conducted manually to ensure grape integrity.

Product Range

Kéké Descombes produces around 40,000 to 50,000 bottles annually, with the following signature cuvées:

• Cuvée Kéké Beaujolais – A youthful, juicy red made from Gamay grapes
• Beaujolais-Villages – A richer, slightly more structured style
• Morgon Vieilles Vignes – Crafted from old vines with exceptional depth and complexity

Each wine showcases a bright fruit profile, low intervention purity, and signature Beaujolais vibrancy. The Morgon cuvées, in particular, are aged in neutral oak and are capable of cellaring for up to 10 years.

Export and Market Reach

Kéké Descombes’ wines are highly sought-after in natural wine circles and distributed internationally. Based on data from import platforms such as PrimalWine and Raw Wine:

• Export Destinations: United States, Japan, the UK, Canada, Scandinavia
• Distribution Channels: Specialty wine shops, natural wine bars, and sommeliers-focused wine lists
• Estimated Export Volume (2023): 35,000+ bottles globally
• Key Importers: Louis/Dressner Selections (USA), Tutto Wines (UK), and various Raw Wine Fair networks

His wines frequently sell out shortly after release due to high demand and limited production.

Market Position and Recognition

Kéké Descombes has built a strong reputation among natural wine enthusiasts and professionals. His wines consistently receive high acclaim from international sommeliers and natural wine critics.

• Featured in: Raw Wine Fair (London, New York, Berlin)
• Included in: “Top 10 Natural Beaujolais Producers” by French wine magazines like Le Rouge & le Vin
• Wine Ratings: Often range between 91–94 points from independent wine reviewers

Sustainability and Practices

The winery operates with a full commitment to sustainable viticulture:

• No synthetic herbicides or pesticides
• Cover crops and natural composting used in vineyards
• Gravity-fed cellar and low energy consumption winemaking processes
• Recyclable packaging and corks sourced from sustainable forests

Achievements and Milestones

• 2013: First vintage release under Kéké Descombes label
• 2016: Morgon Vieilles Vignes awarded top ranking by natural wine panel at ViniBio Paris
• 2020: Joined Raw Wine’s permanent curated list of biodynamic and natural producers
• 2023: Expanded vineyard holdings to include a parcel in Côte de Brouilly

Kéké Descombes represents the new generation of Beaujolais winemakers redefining the region’s global reputation through transparency, authenticity, and a dedication to nature-first viticulture. His wines are emblematic of finesse, vibrancy, and a true sense of place.