France - Auvergne

An exclusive red cuvée full of fruit and substance, which combines the following grape varieties: Gamay from Auvergne and Beaujolais, Pinot Noir from Auvergne, Syrah from the Rhône, and a touch of Grenache. The work was carried out by Patrick Bouju from Auvergne: the expert's signature is reflected in the bottle. A wine to brush up on your geography while enjoying a fine piece of beef!

Festejar Sparkling Rosé 2021

Patrick Bouju
Its beautiful light coral (almost red) color already makes you thirsty, and its freshness hits the mark every time. "To celebrate" is the meaning of festejar in Occitan: this is a clear indication of the use of this natural sparkling rosé wine made from Gamay from Auvergne (with a little Merlot from Côtes-de-Blaye as a minority grape variety), but many others can be found. Its scope is dizzyingly broad, as it is a thirst-quenching wine combined with a complex vintage, superimposing very fine bubbles, a fine and delicious acidity, a touch of spice and white pepper, a slight sweetness, a slight yeasty note and a structuring bitterness. Perfect for an aperitif with friends, perfect for the table, perfect for thirst: an all-terrain vehicle for the greatest joy of all. This semi-dry natural sparkling wine is available in rosé and white. For the rosé, after pressing and settling, the Gamay musts are fermented at low temperature in vats for five to six weeks before being bottled, placed in the cellar on racks for secondary fermentation. Fermentation stops under the effect of pressure and the wine is disgorged by hand, then recapped. Uncork with caution due to its effervescence and drink well chilled.

Find out more

Near Billom, the Limagne clermontoise rises eastward to form a hilly area with a mild climate, dominated by volcanic hills. This is the Auvergne Tuscany, so named because of its resemblance to the Italian province. This land of mixed subsistence farming was once covered with vines and was the preferred domain of Gamay d'Auvergne, a robust ancient strain, the origin of dense, deep and fruity wines. This is where Patrick Bouju cultivates and vinifies, on these high-quality volcanic soils and mainly on old vines. The soils vary between basalt, limestone, clay-limestone and pozzolan. Patrick collects and cares for the best terroirs of Puy-de-Dôme, often abandoned, and gives them new life. He also preserves native grape varieties, of which he cultivates a good fifty, and also works as a wine merchant using purchased organic grapes. The current renaissance of the Auvergne vineyard (which was once the third largest in France) owes a lot to Patrick. The fact that he likes to lend a hand to his winegrower friends in France and elsewhere only confirms his image as a model, a leader. His partnerships are famous: with Action Bronson for the A la Natural series, with Jason Ligas in Greece for Sous le Végétal… Patrick practices long macerations, and the wines rest for up to six months after bottling. Very sensitive to sulfites in wines, Patrick has found that his own wines do very well without them. He has also observed that if the grapes are healthy and concentrated, the balance is achieved on its own, regardless of the successive phases a vintage goes through. His noble, chiseled, distinguished, never bland wines are immediately recognizable in the glass. They are straight, clean, precise, often marked by floral notes and a spicy minerality. They also constitute a formidable anthology of the terroirs and ancient vines of Basse-Auvergne and its volcanic soils.

Super B 2018

Patrick Bouju

With Super B 2018, Patrick Bouju delivers a vibrant and expressive cuvée, a tribute to Gamay in all its facets. This unique blend brings together different Gamays from Beaujolais and Brouilly, from vines over 70 years old and cultivated biodynamically. The granite and bluestone terroirs give this wine a subtle minerality and beautiful tension.

Vinification is done using whole bunches, a method that preserves all the freshness and finesse of the fruit. Aging is meticulously divided: one part in sandstone amphorae, for a pure expression of the grape variety, and the other in fiber vats, promoting a smooth maturation process. This technical choice allows for a delicate, fluid, and structured wine, while remaining accessible and indulgent.

On the nose, Super B 2018 reveals seductive aromas of crisp red berries, enhanced by slightly spicy notes and a subtle hint of hazelnut. On the palate, it opens with a fresh and juicy attack, balanced by fine tannins and a lovely liveliness. This natural wine with no added sulfites is very drinkable, making it ideal for accompanying convivial dishes such as charcuterie, grilled meats, or roast poultry.

Served between 16 and 18°C, Super B 2018 can be enjoyed now to enjoy its vibrant fruitiness, but it also has interesting aging potential of 5 to 10 years. A lively, sincere, and energetic bottle, reflecting Patrick Bouju's passionate work.

P Red 2022

Patrick Bouju

With the initialed cuvées (trading cuvées) of master Patrick Bouju, we are all beginning to learn our alphabet. Here, in the presence of this supple, deep, mineral, and complex wine, we have the letter P. P is for Pinot Noir, and not just any Pinot Noir! A Pinot Noir from vines growing on the legendary Gergovie plateau, where long ago Vercingetorix won a memorable victory. Now, it is the vine that triumphs on the beautiful basalt soils of this volcanic region of Puy-de-Dôme. The harvest is macerated in whole bunches and vinified with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats. In any case, it's very good, it tastes wonderful, and it's perfect for any occasion.

Find out more
Near Billom, the Limagne clermontoise rises eastward to form a hilly area with a mild climate, dominated by volcanic hills. This is the Auvergne Tuscany, so named because of its resemblance to the Italian province. This land of mixed subsistence farming was once covered in vines and was the preferred domain of Gamay d'Auvergne, a robust ancient strain, the origin of dense, deep, and fruity wines. This is where Patrick Bouju cultivates and vinifies, on these high-quality volcanic soils and mainly on old vines. The soils vary between basalt, limestone, clay-limestone, and pozzolan. Patrick collects and cares for the best terroirs of Puy-de-Dôme, often abandoned, and gives them new life. He also preserves native grape varieties, of which he cultivates a good fifty, and also works as a wine merchant using purchased organic grapes. The current renaissance of the Auvergne vineyard (which was once the third largest in France) owes a lot to Patrick. The fact that he likes to lend a hand to his winegrower friends in France and elsewhere only confirms his image as a model, a leader. His partnerships are famous: with Action Bronson for the A la Natural series, with Jason Ligas in Greece for Sous le Végétal… Patrick practices long macerations, and the wines rest for up to six months after bottling. Very sensitive to sulfites in wines, Patrick has found that his own wines do very well without them. He has also observed that if the grapes are healthy and concentrated, the balance is achieved on its own, regardless of the successive phases a vintage goes through. His noble, chiseled, distinguished, never bland wines are immediately recognizable in the glass. They are straight, clean, precise, often marked by floral notes and a spicy minerality. They also constitute a formidable anthology of the terroirs and ancient vines of Basse-Auvergne and its volcanic soils.

J - Jacquere 2018

Patrick Bouju
J for jacquère, this beautiful Savoyard white grape variety vinified by Patrick Bouju from grapes from plots unearthed with the help of Jean-Yves Péron, somewhere near Chambéry. A distinguished, structured, and characterful maceration white that can be aged for a few years.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Bergeron Ergastoline White - 2019

Patrick Bouju

For this 100% Bergeron (another name for Roussanne) from Savoie terroirs, the vinification is by Patrick Bouju and the label by Aurélien Lefort. Skin-on maceration with finesse, great polish and complexity. A rare bottle full of character, one to be enjoyed.

MO Mondeuse Rouge 2020

Patrick Bouju
Patrick Bouju, from his merchant repertoire, offers us his interpretation of the Mondeuse grape variety from Savoie, used here 100%. The grapes undergo a short maceration, followed by aging in amphorae.

Find out more
Near Billom, the Limagne clermontoise rises eastward to form a hilly area with a mild climate, dominated by volcanic hills. This is the Auvergne Tuscany, so named because of its resemblance to the Italian province. This land of mixed subsistence farming was once covered in vines and was the preferred domain of Gamay d'Auvergne, a robust ancient strain, the origin of dense, deep, and fruity wines. This is where Patrick Bouju cultivates and vinifies, on these high-quality volcanic soils and mainly on old vines. The soils vary between basalt, limestone, clay-limestone, and pozzolan. Patrick collects and cares for the best terroirs of Puy-de-Dôme, often abandoned, and gives them new life. He also preserves the indigenous grape varieties, of which he cultivates a good fifty, and simultaneously works as a wine merchant using purchased organic grapes. The current renaissance of the Auvergne vineyard (which was once the third largest in France) owes much to Patrick. The fact that he enjoys lending a helping hand to his winegrowing friends from France and elsewhere only confirms his image as a model, a leader. His partnerships are famous: with Action Bronson for the series A la Natural, with Jason Ligas in Greece for Sous le Végétal… Patrick practices long macerations, and the wines rest for up to six months after bottling. Very sensitive to sulfites in wines, Patrick has found that his own do very well without them. He has also noted that if the grapes are healthy and concentrated, balance occurs on its own, regardless of the successive phases a vintage goes through. His noble, chiseled, distinguished, never bland wines are immediately recognizable in the glass. They are straight, clean, precise, often marked by floral notes and a spicy minerality. They also constitute a formidable anthology of the terroirs and ancient vines of Basse-Auvergne and its volcanic soils.

Festejar Sparkling White 2018

Patrick Bouju
"To celebrate" is the meaning of festejar in Occitan: a clear indication of the use of this wine. This semi-dry Pet' Nat' cuvée is available in rosé and white. The white wine is made from Chardonnay on volcanic and clay-limestone soils. This is a wine for pleasure and indulgence that has received the most attentive care: the grapes are harvested when overripe, raisined, and botrytized (a slight noble rot appears on the bunches). The finely sparkling wine is aged in barrels for twelve months. All this gives a great taste richness with this "layered" structure that we love in great natural wines: fruit, sweetness, acidity, just the right amount of structure and breadth, and a very delicious yeasty touch.
Natural wine without added sulfites.

P Red 2023,

Patrick Bouju

A volcanic Pinot Noir with controlled power

The P 2023 cuvée, produced by Patrick Bouju, is an exceptional red made from Pinot Noir with a touch of Gamay. Grown on the unique basalt soils of the Gergovie plateau in Auvergne, these grape varieties express themselves here with remarkable intensity and freshness.

Tasting: depth and character

On the nose, the P 2023 offers complex aromas of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and light spicy notes. On the palate, it reveals a velvety texture and a precise tannic structure, with a long finish marked by mineral and smoky touches.

A wine for large tables

With its aromatic power and finesse, this Pinot Noir pairs ideally with grilled red meats, stews or even hard cheeses. Served between 16 and 18°C, it can be enjoyed now or kept for up to 5 years to develop more complex aromas.

Ma' Carotte Blanc 2020,

Frédéric Gounan
Lively, fruity, balanced, fresh, and mineral, Ma'Carotte reveals citrus (dried and roasted orange peel), pineapple, and guava on the nose, with hints of honey. A saline finish characteristic of the basalt soil, and a delicious acidity on the finish. Ma'Carotte is a dry white wine from Auvergne made from equal parts Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, directly pressed. Capped like a beer, it's perfect for all occasions and all pairings. If you see him passing by, take advantage of it, Frédéric doesn't make it every year.

To find out more
Coming from a family of farmers established in the commune of Saint-Sandoux (Puy-de-Dôme) for at least two centuries, Frédéric Gounan was in his first life a mechanic and prototype creator for the French motorcycle brand Voxan, whose headquarters were in Issoire. He turned away from the industrial world to devote himself to wine with his partner Caroline. He intends to take advantage of the magnificent terroirs of his native village, far from "pissing the vines", as was done in the past: he notes that everything that comes from this land has exceptional taste qualities. He takes over plots of Gamay d'Auvergne, plants other grape varieties, and ends up producing vintages that are among the tastiest and most sought-after in Auvergne. On this land of the Chaîne des Puys, Pinot Noirs grow on black basalt soils, while Sauvignons and Pinot Gris grow on white clay-limestone soils with basalt pebbles. A follower of organic and biodynamic farming, Frédéric also applies methods he deems appropriate to the climate and terroir: to facilitate photosynthesis in this harsh and contrasting climate, he practices lyre trellising, which allows the vines' foliage to be aerated and exposed to the sun, guaranteeing ripe fruit at harvest. Always a mechanic at heart, he makes his tools and tinkers with his tractors according to his needs. His wines are rare and distinguished, highly sought after by wine lovers: small estate (less than two hectares), small production (by volume, not by spirit).

La Pinya White 2021

Belly Wine Experiment

The color is a very pale blond, like a linden infusion, slightly cloudy; La Pinya is a fresh, mineral, and aromatic dry white wine, lively and delicate, with a possible sparkle upon opening. In Belly Wine Experiment, there is Experiment, or experimentation. It's a principle that this small organic and natural wine merchant estate strives to demonstrate vintage after vintage. La Pinya, labeled with a pine cone, is a blend of equal parts of two indigenous Catalan grape varieties: Xarel lo and Macabeu from Pla del Penedès, harvested on clay-limestone soils. This blend is quite common in Catalonia, Claire Sage's native country. For this vintage, the Macabeu is worked directly from the press, then blended with crushed Xarel·lo. The whole thing is macerated for a week. This wine is organically grown and has received no chemical additives or sulfites, in the vineyard or in the cellar. Note that the natural formation of tartar may cause a slight foam when the bottle is opened. La Pinya should be stored upright and drunk chilled.

Find out more
Founded and run by Claire Sage and Aimé Duveau, located in Chanteuges (Haute-Loire), Belly Wine Experiment is as much an experiment as a winemaking business. The creative duo has a lot to offer: Claire is the sister of Daniel Sage, a fan of underwater wine aging but above all an importer of Catalan wines. Hence the presence of Catalan grape varieties in Belly Wine Experiment's blends, alongside Burgundy, Auvergne, and Jura grape varieties, readily found in the same bottle. Aimé is the son of Manu Duveau, a poet-winemaker from Auvergne, a former stonemason, and a great winemaker of local Gamays at his Domaine de l'Égrappille. The uniqueness of Belly Wine Experiment is the exoticism (in the literal sense) of the blends, with Xarel lo from Catalonia, for example, being able to sit alongside Gamay from Puy-de-Dôme with the utmost naturalness. The wines are made using semicarbonic maceration, without the addition of chemical additives or excessive manipulation in the cellar. The house is also known for its very high-quality, vinous perries.

SéRuM Rouge 2019,

Aurélien Lefort
Ready for the most advanced experiments, Aurélien Lefort has produced a small quantity of a sweet Gamay red (100% Auvergne Gamay) using a late harvest. The vines are over a hundred years old, planted in 1904 on red clay soils rich in quartz and granite sand (Lamouret location). The harvest takes place in November, with an alcohol content between 18 and 21%. Vinification is traditional: destemming, three months of maceration in vats, and three years of aging in barrels. Bottling was carried out at the end of October 2021.

Find out more
Established since 2011 in Madriat, near Boudes, in the southern part of Puy-de-Dôme, Aurélien Lefort is an artist (graduate of Fine Arts) passionate about wine and nature. After training with Michel Auger (Loire) and Patrick Bouju, he decided on Auvergne and took over the lease of abandoned vineyards. The Boudes region is an ancient wine-growing region, an exceptional volcanic terroir, warm and vibrant, exploited for nearly two thousand years. Aurélien's approach is to encourage the rebirth of this magnificent vineyard. He does so on small areas of stunning pedological diversity: basalt, granite, calcareous red clay, sandy and gravelly clay on quartz flows, and, at the foot of the hill, white marl clay. On this substrate, the Auvergne trilogy (gamay, pinot noir and chardonnay) takes my lion's share. In Aurélien's hands, the singular talent of Auvergne gamay, an ancient grape variety as dense and powerful as it is spicy, which finds a particular expression on these volcanic soils. His plots are grassed but mowed to control humidity, and the vine stocks are worked with a pickaxe to avoid suffocating the root system. The harvest, always manual, can last up to three weeks due to the meticulous sorting of the berries. It is at this price that Aurélien Lefort creates his rare and sought-after vintages, resulting from macerations that tend to be long (up to three months). Mostly red, sometimes sparkling, sometimes also mellow (late harvest reds), they always leave a lasting, even unforgettable, sensation.

Jour de Fête Sparkling Rosé 2019

Marie and Vincent Tricot

You pour it, pour it, pour it again, and you're amazed to have emptied the bottle. This organic, natural sparkling rosé wine doesn't bear this name for nothing. Made using the ancestral method (bottling during fermentation, which completes in the container), Jour de Fête is a seductive natural sparkling wine made from Gamay d'Auvergne that doesn't lend itself to melancholy. It displays a deep, slightly cloudy strawberry-raspberry color that already invites indulgence. On the nose, cherry, raspberry, and the promise of a vinous and concentrated sparkling wine, not just a gurgling experience. It can be described as both gurgling and complex.

The cherry, raspberry, redcurrant and strawberry are confirmed on the palate with a great deal of sweetness and indulgence, a little sugar reminiscent of the raspberry fruit paste from Auvergne, and the slight bitterness of the volcanic soil Gamay in the background. The effervescence is moderate, we also perceive citrus notes (orange, mandarin) and the floral notes are then revealed with a touch of violet. The roundness is pleasant, the freshness is exceptional. Made from Gamays grown on hillsides on volcanic and clay-limestone soils, Jour de fête is truly exceptional and as joyful and festive as its label promises.

To find out more

Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are reviving the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central from the ashes using organic and natural methods, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a colorful winemaking journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that has not seen the slightest chemical input for thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside on the left bank of the Allier River, in a volcanic clay-limestone area near the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue, and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and have since been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straightforward, flamboyant profile and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.

Lulu Red 2022 Magnum

Patrick Bouju

Lulu, here in magnum format, is a highly sought-after cuvée from Patrick Bouju, an Auvergne winemaker deeply attached to his terroir and his old Gamay d'Auvergne vines. An organic, natural red wine with no added sulfites, it is one of its creator's most iconic and sought-after vintages. Classified as a Vin de France. The magnum amplifies and deepens its character.

Vinification

Lulu comes from a basalt plot in Corent, planted with very old Gamay d'Auvergne vines over seventy years old. The soil is worked biodynamically and with animal traction on a basalt terroir. The destemmed harvest macerates for five months in whole bunches. It is aged for one year in sandstone amphorae.

Tasting

Lulu is at once distinguished, complex, charming and easy to drink. The fruit, round, opulent and slightly candied (blackberry, morello cherry), gives way on the palate to a lively, slightly saline minerality, with just the right touch of astringency and spice. It is a delicious and velvety cuvée, with animal and spicy notes, where the red fruits are generously expressed. Decanting recommended. Pairing: anything good goes with a good wine. Grilled meats, pounti, Auvergne cuisine, Red meats, charcuterie…

Learn more about Patrick Bouju and the La Bohème estate

Near Billom, the Tuscany of Auvergne, once covered in vines, is the privileged domain of Gamay d'Auvergne, an ancient strain of the grape variety. It is here, on these volcanic soils, that Patrick Bouju works, mainly with old vines.

Viticulture and trade

Patrick breathes new life into the often abandoned terroirs of Puy-de-Dôme and its indigenous grape varieties. Under the La Bohème estate, he operates as a wine merchant using purchased organic grapes. His exclusive Culinaries partnerships are famous: with Action Bronson for the series A la Natural, with Jason Ligas in Greece for Sous le Végétal…

A winemaker who lends a helping hand

The current renaissance of the Auvergne vineyard (which was once the third largest in France) owes a lot to Patrick. The fact that he likes to lend a hand to his winemaker friends in France and elsewhere only confirms his image as a role model, a leader. Its noble, chiseled, distinguished, never trivial wines are immediately recognizable in the glass.

Vin paillé Red 2012

Marie and Vincent Tricot

Marie and Vincent Tricot's Vin de paille is undoubtedly a curiosity: it's a sweet wine made from 100% Auvergne Gamay, entirely organic and natural, made like a Vin de paille from the Jura. The harvest is dried on straw in an attic before pressing. We're not used to Gamay vinified this way, or even red wine vinified this way.

It's an experiment, but the result more than justifies the boldness. Drying on straw concentrates the sugar in the grape berries and accentuates the flavors. Only a drop remains in each berry, but what a drop! Sweet, caressing, syrupy, complex, this Vin de paille is a delight. Its color is not a pure red but an amber, and the nose is a veritable basket of slightly jammy fruits: plum, prune, raisins, strawberry. It is possible that a refermentation takes place in the bottle, which can give a sparkling attack to this wine, but it disappears quickly. On the palate, a delicious sweetness, lots of strawberry and pleasantness. Very easy to drink.

To find out more

Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are resurrecting the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central in organic and natural ways, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a varied winegrowing journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that had not seen the slightest chemical input for around thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside, on the left bank of the Allier, in a volcanic clay-limestone area neighboring the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and, since then, have been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straight and flamboyant profile, and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.

Mensonge à Papa Red 2021

Belly Wine Experiment

Fresh, supple, fruity, light, and easy-drinking, Mensonge à Papa is a delicious wine for aperitifs, sharing, thirst quenching, meals, and good company. It proudly carries the banner of Gamay from two regions: Auvergne (from Châteaugay, near Riom, on calcareous-volcanic soils) and Beaujolais (from Rivolet, on blue granite). It is the result of a blend of equal parts of these two origins of the same grape variety, with a shared family resemblance, but also a marked difference: the Gamay from Auvergne has more acidity. Lie to Dad is therefore, in a way, an ode to Gamay. The grapes are first slowly pressed, then their must is added to whole bunches (of Gamay, surprise!) for a fifteen-day carbonic maceration. The aging takes place for a year in fiberglass vats. No chemical inputs are added during the cultivation and vinification, and in particular no sulfites. Classified as a Vin de France and with an alcohol content of 13.5%, it will be wonderful as an aperitif or with food, or just to have a good time.

To find out more
Founded and run by Claire Sage and Aimé Duveau, located in Chanteuges (Haute-Loire), Belly Wine Experiment is as much an experiment as a winemaking business. The creative duo has a lot to live up to: Claire is the sister of Daniel Sage, a fan of underwater wine aging but above all an importer of Catalan wines. Hence the presence of Catalan grape varieties in Belly Wine Experiment's blends, alongside Burgundy, Auvergne, and Jura grape varieties, readily found in the same bottle. Aimé is the son of Manu Duveau, a poet-winemaker from Auvergne, a former stonemason, and a great winemaker of local Gamays at his Domaine de l'Égrappille. The uniqueness of Belly Wine Experiment is the exoticism (in the literal sense) of the blends, with Xarel lo from Catalonia, for example, being able to sit alongside Gamay from Puy-de-Dôme with the utmost naturalness. The wines are made using semicarbonic maceration, without the addition of chemical additives or excessive manipulation in the cellar. The house is also known for its very high-quality, vinous perries.

Cailloux Rouge 2022

Patrick Bouju
Cailloux is an organic and natural red wine from Patrick Bouju, with no added sulfites and sourced from the Auvergne terroir. Classified as a Vin de France, it is a wine extremely representative of its terroir and a fine example of the winemaker's refined expertise. The magnum format amplifies its natural character and further accentuates its depth.

Vinification
Cailloux comes from Patrick Bouju's old Pinot Noir vines located in Madargue, near Riom, in Limagne. The terroir is basaltic, clay-limestone, marl-limestone, and sandy. The grapes macerate in whole bunches, and during fermentation, 1% of the estate's Chardonnay press juice is added. The wine is aged for a year in sandstone amphorae and barrels.

Tasting
Cailloux lives up to its name: wild, smoky, long, and stony, with great aromatic persistence. Marked by intensely mineral notes: stone, metal. The fruit is present and juicy. The overall impression is dense and concentrated; the wine can be drunk now but will still have a few years to drink. Serving temperature: 14-16 °C. Open twenty minutes before tasting or decant. You can pair it with charcuterie, salted meats, beef and all kinds of local cuisine.

Learn more about Patrick Bouju and the La Bohème estate
Near Billom, the Auvergne Tuscany, once covered with vines, is the privileged domain of Gamay d'Auvergne, a strain old grape variety. It is there, on these volcanic soils, that Patrick Bouju works, mainly with old vines.

Viticulture and trade
Patrick breathes new life into the often abandoned terroirs of Puy-de-Dôme and its indigenous grape varieties. Under the La Bohème estate, he operates as a wine merchant using purchased organic grapes. His exclusive Culinaries partnerships are famous: with Action Bronson for the series A la Natural, with Jason Ligas in Greece for Sous le Végétal…

A winemaker who lends a helping hand
The current renaissance of the Auvergne vineyard (which was once the third largest in France) owes a lot to Patrick. The fact that he likes to lend a hand to his winemaker friends in France and elsewhere only confirms his image as a role model, a leader. Its noble, chiseled, distinguished, never trivial wines are immediately recognizable in the glass.

Vin paillé Red 2012

Marie and Vincent Tricot

Marie and Vincent Tricot's Vin de paille is undoubtedly a curiosity: it's a sweet wine made from 100% Auvergne Gamay, entirely organic and natural, made like a Vin de paille from the Jura. The harvest is dried on straw in an attic before pressing. We're not used to Gamay vinified this way, or even red wine vinified this way.

It's an experiment, but the result more than justifies the boldness. Drying on straw concentrates the sugar in the grape berries and accentuates the flavors. Only a drop remains in each berry, but what a drop! Sweet, caressing, syrupy, complex, this Vin de paille is a delight. Its color is not a pure red but an amber, and the nose is a veritable basket of slightly jammy fruits: plum, prune, raisins, strawberry. It is possible that a refermentation takes place in the bottle, which can give a sparkling attack to this wine, but it disappears quickly. On the palate, a delicious sweetness, lots of strawberry and pleasantness. Very easy to drink.

To find out more

Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are resurrecting the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central in organic and natural ways, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a varied winegrowing journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that had not seen the slightest chemical input for around thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside, on the left bank of the Allier, in a volcanic clay-limestone area neighboring the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and, since then, have been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straight and flamboyant profile, and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.