This maker, Karim Vionnet’s exudes an unapologetic, forthright, carefree spirit which manifests itself in various ways, including his wine. He drives three cars, none of them French. He owns three motorcycles but does not have a driver’s license. He is a fan of the heavy metal band AC/DC, and that attitude may have been indispensable for Karim’s success in the wine world. He is of North African descent, a fact of little consequence locally; but it was a complicating factor when he started his winery because he was advised that use of his ethnic first name on labels would limit sales. He initially capitulated but quickly embraced his full identity and reverted to “Karim”. Karim’s vineyards are all bush vines. He prunes by hand because he loves clipping but relies a tractor for turning soil and spraying on organic treatments. Karim utilizes full carbonic maceration in fermentation.