just-drinks.com editorial team – French wine cooperative Mont Tauch has appointed Jean-Philippe Trollet as its first head winemaker. Trollet will join Mont Tauch, based in southern France’s Languedoc region, from Skalli Group’s Caves Saint Pierre. He was named red winemaker of the year in 2009 by judges for the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

Mont Tauch’s decision to appoint a head winemaker brings more leadership structure to the group. The firm hopes that a head winemaker will be able to better co-ordinate operations as it expands.

“The organoleptic quality of our wines must remain our greatest strength,” said Antoine Leray, UK sales manager for the cooperative. “We also have to ensure that our wines are constantly responding to the needs of the market.”

As well as overseeing wine production, Trollet will also act as the “face of Mont Tauch” at tastings and exhibitions. He will be assisted in running the company’s winery by existing Mont Tauch winemaker Michel Marty.