Experts Toast French-Scottish Wine Maker

William Jonqueres d'Oriola's family tree includes a happy mix of nations, with a French father, and a mother who hails from Scotland. His looks are undoubtedly Scottish, all Celtic complexion and flaming red locks, but thanks to his French heritage, he has an undeniable skill as a wine maker,

He is a member of one of the most well-known aristocratic families in the south of France who have been making wine for 27 generations – since 1485. But he considers himself half- Scottish thanks to his Fort William-born mum, Ruth McWilliam. The 30-year-old is fast becoming the toast of the French winemaking industry, with experts hailing the new techniques he has introduced.

William, middle son of Earl Philippe Jonqueres d’Oriola, supplies his fine wine from a vineyard in south-west France to Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. His home is a 12th-century castle in Corneilla del Vercol, Roussillon, 20 miles from the Spanish border. The family consider themselves Catalan as the Spanish region historically stretched over the border.

William, who is at the helm of the business, Chateau de Corneilla, said: “My mother is a proud Scot and my dad is Catalan, it’s a very strange mix. I am very proud of my two identities. I have inherited my red hair from my mum and, as you can imagine, it’s very unusual where I live. I’m known as Will Barberousse – Will with the red beard – or the Catalan Highlander. I have family in Stirling and come back to Scotland at least twice a year.”

William’s parents met in London in the 70s and set up home in France. While his two brothers – Christophe, 33, and Thomas, 27 – are based in Paris, William is head of operations at the family business, who produce around half a million bottles of red, rose, white and sweet wines a year. The family’s 150-acre estate at the foot of the Pyrenees makes 22 different wines and has an olive grove.

He said: “I took over three years ago after travelling round the world and working in different vineyards. We’ve introduced new technology and new ways of doing things, like harvesting grapes at night because of the difference temperature can make to the taste.

“Our wines are served at events such as the French Open and Cannes Film Festival but I’d love our wines to be sold in Scotland. Our wine is not expensive – at our chateau shop, a bottle of our Heritage wine costs just £5.”

William’s great-granddad built a big well at the castle, which now houses the family’s private wine collection. He said: “We hold private tastings by candlelight in there, which are pretty special.”

The Jonqueres are also famous for their sporting prowess and boast several world champions in fencing and the equestrian world. William’s great-uncle Pierre, who died in 2011 aged 91, won Olympic gold medals in showjumping in 1952 and 1964.