#104 - Xavier Jean: owner of Couvent des Jacobins

I sit down with Xavier Jean, the man behind Couvent des Jacobins, a discreet Grand Cru Classé nestled in the heart of Saint-Émilion, and his bold Merlot project, Calicem. In this episode, we dive into a family story that spans more than two centuries, from a ruined convent to a benchmark estate.Xavier opens up about growing up in Saint-Émilion, taking over the reins, and shaping a clear wine philosophy without chasing trends. We talk terroir, old vines, and why Calicem had to exist outside the classification. We explore wine tourism, underground cellars, hospitality, and cultural events at the Couvent. From Bordeaux to Hong Kong and Singapore, we unpack how to build markets, work with sommeliers, and stay relevant without shouting.If you’re curious about authentic Bordeaux, long-term vision, and wines with identity, this conversation is for you. Expect insights, stories, and practical lessons for wine lovers and professionals alike.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🎁 GIFTS 🎁 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬🍇 Know more about Couvent des Jacobins, a Grand Cru Classé nestled in the heart of Saint-Émilion🍷 Don't miss Club Bâtard, a members' wine and dining club, in the heart of Hong Kong⭐️ Discover Fine Wine Experience, fine wine retailer and events host in Hong Kong📚 Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasur, by Donald Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup🤓 Join the Academy and learn all you need to know about wine🎁 Get your wine essentials on our shop: a curated selection of wine glasses, posters and much more▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⭐️ ABOUT ⭐️ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬My name is Antoine, and I’ve been passionate about wine for several years. I knew nothing at first, so I went out to meet the biggest figures in the industry and turned those encounters into a podcast that’s now listened to by over 100,000 people. I now share with you what I’ve learned, and I hope we embark together on a beautiful wine journey to discover the finest experiences.ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOUR YOUR HEALTH. CONSUME IN MODERATION.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.