Matanzas Creek Winemaker
Francois Cordesse
Winemaker Francois Cordesse's conviction that “quality knows no shortcuts,” was quite likely established during his early years in the town of Montpellier, located in the Languedoc region of France. Francois, and now his wines, reap the benefit of the consistent message of ‘quality first' instilled in him by his father, an accomplished and celebrated scientist, and his mother, a professor of French contemporary history at Montpellier Culinary Institute. In addition to the focus Francois' parents placed on quality, integrity and an appreciation for the arts and sciences, his family embraced Montpellier's local viticultural community and encouraged Francois to understand and enjoy wine and regional cuisine from an early age.
Francois' interest in wine at the family dinner table grew into a strong curiosity for viticulture and wine production in his teen years when assisting with cellar work at a local winery. After spending several summers in the cellar and completing his primary education, Francois pursued a Master of Winemaking and Viticultural at University of Montpellier which included winery work experience in the Languedoc. This degree was followed by a Post Degree in Wine Marketing from Burgundy Trade School. True to his belief that “you can make the best wine on earth, but you still need to market and sell it,” Francois served as salesperson and trainer for a large Parisian wine retailer. Francois explains that this time as a retailer in Paris exemplifies the European spirit of Compagnonage, a belief that a skill (in Francois' case, winemaking) is best learned and mastered if an individual develops a broader perspective by gaining knowledge of other areas associated with the skill.
With a better understanding of, and appreciation for, wine sales and marketing, Francois left Paris and returned to viticulture and winemaking in Bordeaux. At the Wine Department of the Agricultural Chamber of Bordeaux Francois assisted the French government in developing and enhancing winegrowing and winemaking practices. Francois' role at the Agricultural Chamber also required him to serve as a government consultant to wineries throughout France. Francois left public life to pursue a winery position at Chateau Cadillac en Fronsadais in Bordeaux. After a year with Chateau Cadillac, Francois traveled to Australia to work at Moet Chandon for six months. After returning from Australia in 1995, Francois assumed the role as Winemaker at Domaine Saint Hilaire in the Languedoc. His work with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc earned him double gold recognition at Vinalies, one of the most important International Wine Competitions organized by the French Oneologist Union.
The recognition at Vinalies was published and Francois was contacted by Greenstone Winery in California's Sierra Foothills. Throughout his life Francois aspired to visit and work in America in order to learn more about the country where his grandfather served a Major under General George Patton in the United States Army. With the opportunity to learn more about America and New World winemaking, Francois moved to California and took a position as Winemaker at Greenstone Winery focusing primarily on the production of Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.
Although Francois intended to return to France after a couple of years in California, his plans changed when he met his wife Sharon. In 2001 Francois learned that renowned French Winemaker Pierre Seillan was looking to hire a French-trained winemaker who understood vineyard development, winemaking and the importance of wine marketing. Francois met with Pierre and accepted the offer to assume the role of Assistant Winemaker at Matanzas Creek Winery (where Seillan serves as a consultant). For four years as Assistant Winemaker, Francois led Matanzas Creek Winery's cellar team in crafting Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon at the Estate's home in Sonoma County's newest American Viticultural Appellation (AVA), Bennett Valley.
In 2005 Francois was promoted to Winemaker and feels “it is a privilege to show up at the Winery each day” to lead the viticultural and winemaking team. His commitment to the Estate has much to do with his talented team and his belief in Bennett Valley's ability to grow outstanding Merlot. Francois claims that “nature is generous to Merlot here in Bennett Valley. We have the ideal climate, exposure and soils to grow the finest Merlot.”
When not found in the cellar at Matanzas Creek Winery or playing classic guitar, Francois (a self proclaimed ‘astro-geek') spends free time at the Chabot Science Center in Oakland teaching astronomy to underprivileged children.