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Jeff's interest in the world of wine developed at a young age. He spent his youth growing up in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia and this early exposure led the development of his first cellar in his early 20's. After moving to Western Australia, Jeff was drawn to the beautiful Margaret River region by his love of surfing. These visits gave Jeff the opportunity to pursue his two great loves, wine and surfing. The region presented Jeff with the opportunity to interact with the many great wine producers, with whom he shared a passion for wine and a hunger for more wine knowledge.
This led to his purchase and involvement in Howard Park Wines, producing a Cabernet, Riesling and a Chardonnay, soon to be followed by the very popular MadFish Wines. With land holdings of over 135 hectares of vineyard production with a view of aiming towards earth friendly practices. Howard Park and MadFish Wines now exports to over 37 countries around the world. Jeff visited Burgundy annually after purchasing a house in the village of Monthelie. His next door neighbour is Pascal Marchand and over a many wine filled meal the two men developed a friendship and partnership that has led to this development of the Marchand and Burch label.
"I've spent 5 years looking for the site, the altitude, the rocky, ancient soils and the right aspect." In 2004 Jeff finally purchased a site in Mount Barker and the rest is history.
"We have configured the winery we've planted different clones...I have done everything that is possible to do except control the weather, which regretfully is just outside my control..."
"I want to prove that everyone's wrong that WA cannot make top class Pinot. It is not going to be easy. but I have left no stone unturned."
Jeff Burch, West Australian wine success story
Howard Park Wines Website
www.howardparkwines.com.au/
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Pascal Marchand is a leading Burgundian winemaker. Pascal was born in Montreal and at the age of 18 his journey into the world of wine began. At age 22, Pascal visited Burgundy to explore his passion for Pinot Noir. Whilst working during harvest at Chateau de Chorey Les Beaune he met Comte Armand who provided him with an extraordinary opportunity to manage his vineyards. Pascal spent 15 years with Comte Armand before moving to Domaine de la Vougeraie in 1999.
Pascal has over 26 years experience growing and making Pinot Noir in Burgundy and consulting to vineyards around the world with the aim of working with nature. the soil and the environment to best express the vineyard plot from where the wine was grown.
Pascal's winemaking philosophy is the key to his success:
"You have to observe a lot," explains Pascal Marchand. "That is the main thing about biodynamics. It brings you closer to the forces of nature and helps you observe nature better, work with nature and not try to control it or work against it."
'Brilliant Burgundy', The Age, 2005
'Pascal Marchand', Wine Spectator March 6, 2009
'Poet finds his muse in the vines', LA Times, 2004
Pascal Marchand Blog
www.pasmarchand.com/en
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