This Life Wines Debuts with a Rosé and Sparkling Wine from Southwest France
Maison Wessman, a leading French winery, is partnering with 10-time GRAMMY award-winning musician Norah Jones to create This Life, a new line of fresh and approachable wines from the South of France.
For Norah, it’s about creating wines that tell a story and stir emotion. The global artist was drawn to the collaboration with Bergerac-based Maison Wessman, which is dedicated to expressing the soul of France’s hidden terroirs. She is now a co-owner of the winery with Robert Wessman.
“Sometimes you get tapped on the shoulder to do something interesting. Wine is a whole new world for me, and it’s really fun to do something different,” said Norah.
Norah is deeply involved in crafting a special wine collection that reflects her personal taste and creative spirit. Working hand-in-hand with Maison Wessman’s winemakers, Norah brings a fresh artistic dimension to the estate’s mission — blending authenticity, creativity, and excellence in every bottle.
Robert Wessman bought the 12th-century château in the early 2000s, restoring the property and planting vineyards before releasing its inaugural vintage in 2016. Maison Wessman produces a dynamic range of red, white, and sparkling wines from the premium wine growing areas of Bergerac and Limoux, and says This Life is an exciting addition to the portfolio.
“At Maison Wessman, we’ve always been driven by passion and a bold vision for the wines produced in our estate vineyards. From my first conversation with Norah about This Life, before it was even named This Life, I knew she shared that same passion and vision as I did,” noted Robert. “Working on this incredible set of wines and welcoming Norah as a co-owner of Maison Wessman is exciting not only for our winery but for all of the South of France.”
The Wines
This Life Sparkling 2024 (SRP $25) was blended by Norah and consists of Chardonnay (57%), Chenin Blanc (27%), Pinot Noir (9%), and Mauzac (7%) from the Crémant de Limoux appellation. Made in the same traditional method as Champagne, this crémant is an affordable and delicious bottle with elegant bubbles and aromas of white flowers, stone fruits, and citrus on the nose. There’s a touch of hazelnut and a delicate, toasted finish on the palate that gives the wine a subtle richness, and it pairs wonderfully with seafood, creamy risottos, and aged cheese.
This Life Rosé 2024 (SRP $17) is a bright and aromatic wine with a richness on the palate and a smooth finish made with Syrah (60%) and Grenache (40%). The rosé was blended by Norah, referencing her early exploration of French rosé during her first European tours. This wine is delicious on its own as an aperitif and shines with summertime meals like grilled fish, seafood pasta, or charcuterie boards.
This Life is imported in the United States by Alchemy Wine and Spirits and can be found online at www.thislifewines.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Maison Wessman: Since its first vintage in 2016, Maison Wessman has become a symbol of creativity and excellence, rooted in the historic Issigeac plateau in Périgord Pourpre. The Château de Saint-Cernin blends tradition with modernity, serving as a hub for viticulture and tastings. The 2021 acquisition of the Verdots Vineyard expanded the estate to nearly 60 hectares, deepening Maison Wessman’s connection to the region’s terroir. Led by Lise Sadirac and supported by experts like Michel Rolland and Andreas Larsson, Maison Wessman crafts exceptional wines from these unique, often overlooked terroirs. In addition to its roots in Southwest France, Robert Wessman’s love for Chardonnay drove Maison Wessman to establish itself in Limoux with the purchase of the Bugalys vineyard. Today, Maison Wessman boasts 26 hectares, primarily located in the Haute Vallée, including stunning parcels in the commune of La Serpent.