Gift Ideas for Rookies

Le Litre Arbitre White 2020,

Château Lafitte

Le Litre Arbitre, a dry white wine with a strong aroma of white fruit and lemon, is deliciously mineral and lively, perfect for all occasions and also a joy to drink on its own. It's so perfect for gatherings with good friends that Château Lafitte decided to pour it directly into a one-liter bottle. The beverage is obtained by directly pressing different grape varieties from a very old, planted plot whose birth date is unknown. The blend includes the classic Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng grapes from the Jurançon terroir. The harvest is done among friends, the viticulture and winemaking (100% biodynamic) are done without the slightest addition of chemicals or sulfites. Fruity as desired, designed for the most intense conviviality, and not even a pinhead of added sulfites. This wine will keep for a very long time if given the chance.

To find out more

Château Lafitte is located in Béarn, on the noble terroir of Jurançon, the origin of superb sweet wines and dry wines that have nothing to envy. Since the 14th century, Monein, the commune where the estate is located, has been nestled in an exceptional natural, rich and hilly environment. In the 16th century, vines already occupied a significant part of the property, and they have persisted to this day. Philippe and Brigitte Arraou, the current owners, have undertaken to revive viticulture on the site, assisted since 2012 by their son Antoine, a winemaker as passionate as his parents. Château Lafitte is now managed biodynamically and with agroforestry: five hectares of marl-limestone soils typical of the appellation, on a hilly terrain that can become very cold in winter. The king grape varieties of Jurançon, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, represent the majority of the grape varieties. Also typical of Jurançon and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in general, viticulture en hautains, that is to say raised and trained very high, is practiced. As it was in many primitive vineyards, some of which are still active (Portugal, Spain, Georgia, etc.). On this beautiful estate, winemaking experiments are legion: aging in terracotta jars for dry wines, solera for sweet wines in untopped barrels, photovoltaic roofs for the cellar, rainwater harvesting, gravity-fed vinification. Château Lafitte produces sweet Jurançons as well as still dry wines and a very successful natural sparkling wine, Funambule.

Volnay 1er Cru Carelle Sous la Chapelle Red 2020

Domaine de Chassorney

Full of roundness, with a magnificent, refined, and airy bouquet, this superb premier cru Pinot Noir red wine comes from a sloping, west-facing plot at an altitude of approximately 280 meters, on marl-limestone soils. The grapes macerate in whole bunches. Aging is approximately one year in barrels. The name of the plot refers to the old chapel that can still be seen today on the side of the road leading to Monthélie, at the bottom of the village. The term "carelle" refers to the shape of the plot, from the Latin quadrus, "square".

Find out more
Through his entirely natural work, Frédéric Cossard gives voice to the terroirs and Burgundy wines, undeformed by agricultural chemicals. Having observed, during his years of trading, the existence of harmful viticultural practices, the winemaker used this counter-example to practice unadulterated viticulture. Thus, he produces vintages of purity and elegance without artifice that are among the most sought-after in Burgundy. Frédéric worked as a wine broker for some time before creating the Domaine de Chassorney with his partner Laure in 1996: initially a few ares of vines in Saint-Romain, Auxey-Duresses and Savigny-lès-Beaune, and currently ten hectares spread across the Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Volnay, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Bourgogne appellations. In 2006, he created his own wine trading house and buys organic grapes to vinify, according to his style and convictions, great vintages such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and several Beaujolais crus. The practice is not limited to Burgundy since vintages are made from grapes purchased in the Jura or Languedoc. At his place, the work of the soil and the vines is done as naturally as possible: regular ploughing by horse, no addition of chemical fertilizers or weedkillers. The vines are cared for according to the principles of biodynamics: homeopathic treatments based on essential oils, copper and sulfur in minimal doses. The harvest is entirely manual, carried out at full maturity, at the end of October. Red or white, classic Burgundies or more atypical or less "regional" bottles, Frédéric's vintages are rare and coveted wines, which sometimes require waiting.

Pet Nat, Sparkling Rosé 2022

Domaine Bélicard

Here's a sparkling wine that effervesces with authenticity and immediate pleasure. With this Rosé Pet Nat 2022, Domaine Bélicard, a winemaker committed to organic farming in Beaujolais, captures the summer spirit in a bottle. This 100% Gamay natural sparkling wine combines freshness, fruit, and lightness, in a joyful style, without artifice or additives.

A natural, frank, and free sparkling rosé

The Gamay here is harvested in whole bunches, then subjected to short maceration to extract just enough color and substance. Fermentation begins naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts, then continues in the bottle, according to the ancestral method principle. No added sulfites, no dosage, and no selected yeasts: it's a living, raw wine, all in spontaneity. It is aged for about two years before release, giving it balance and stability.

A tonic and fruity profile

Pale pink color, slightly hazy, fine and natural mousse, and on the nose, notes of small red berries, pomegranate, and a delicate floral touch. On the palate, the bubbles are soft, the body light, with a tangy and refreshing finish that makes you want more. The whole is digestible, thirst-quenching, and incredibly delicious.

To drink without ceremony

Serve it chilled (10–12 °C), without decanting, as an aperitif or to accompany simple summer cuisine: salads, fresh cheeses, light grilled dishes... This wine is best drunk young, but its liveliness also allows it to age gracefully for 5 to 10 years. A pet' nat' that makes your evenings sparkle.

YARD Rouge, Red 2023

Danis dans la vigne

With "YARD Rouge", Danis dans la vigne offers an uninhibited and lively version of Malbec, the emblematic grape variety of Cahors. Here, there's no excessive concentration or robust extraction: this 100% organic Malbec asserts its freedom and accessibility, in a natural version full of charm and personality.

A natural winemaking process, true to the fruit

From vines planted on clay-limestone soils in the Lot region, the grapes are cultivated without chemicals, respecting natural balances. The winemaking is artisanal: gentle maceration for two weeks, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, without oenological additives, followed by nine months of aging in stainless steel tanks. This choice preserves all the fruit's vibrancy, without masking the identity of the grape variety or the terroir.

A supple and tasty red

On tasting, YARD Rouge seduces with its open nose of ripe dark fruit aromas (plum, blackberry), accompanied by touches of dried fruit. On the palate, the texture is supple, the tannins are fine and well-integrated, with a lovely grain and a finish that retains freshness. The style is clean, pure, and invites indulgence without heaviness.

The natural wine for all occasions

Perfect at 14–16 °C, after a light decanting, YARD Rouge is perfect for an aperitif or at the table. It will pair wonderfully with slow-cooked dishes, grilled meats, or a nice charcuterie board. To be drunk within two years to fully enjoy its vibrant fruit.

Back to Blaye (exclusive cuvée), Red 2023

Château Frédignac

A retro nod for a wine firmly rooted in the present: "Back to Blaye" embodies a new generation of natural red Bordeaux, resulting from precise work in both the vineyard and the cellar. Château Frédignac, a pioneer of clean and committed viticulture in the Blaye – Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, has created an exclusive 2023 cuvée that is both expressive and digestible.

Valued terroir, committed expertise

Planted on the typical clay-limestone soils of the Blaye area, the Merlot (65%), Malbec (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) grape varieties are cultivated according to organic farming principles (certified AB & Nature & Progrès). The winemaking remains true to the natural spirit: destemmed maceration for two weeks, without oenological intervention or exogenous yeasts, followed by aging in concrete tanks to preserve the fruit's brilliance.

A lively and generous red

On the nose, the wine releases aromas of ripe black fruits, fresh herbs and sweet spices. On the palate, the attack is supple, the tannins present but well integrated, supported by a beautiful freshness. The wine gains intensity throughout the tasting, with a rounded and balanced texture.

To share today or to let age a little...

Back to Blaye can be enjoyed now, slightly chilled (14-16°C), with a nice plate of charcuterie, a red meat dish or a family meal. No need for a decanter: open, breathe, savor! This wine can also age in the cellar for 5 years.

BN Blanco Natural White 2022,

Partida Creus

A fresh and vibrant Macabeu from the clay-limestone terroir of Catalonia
BN Blanco Natural 2022 is a pure and luminous interpretation of the Macabeu grape variety, produced in the sunny Bonastre region of Catalonia. This natural white wine, vinified using direct pressing and aged for 8 months in stainless steel vats, captures the essence of the clay-limestone terroir while revealing a fresh and thirst-quenching personality. With only 10% alcohol, it is part of the line of light, easy-drinking wines full of character.

Tasting: a brilliant freshness
BN Blanco Natural seduces with its aromatic delicacy. On the nose, it reveals notes of juicy pear, white flowers and a touch of minerality. On the palate, freshness dominates, supported by a well-balanced acidity and a silky texture. The subtly saline finish reflects the maritime character of its terroir. This wine is a true call to conviviality and simple pleasures.

An ideal wine for gourmet moments
This light white goes perfectly with grilled fish, seafood or delicate dishes made with fresh vegetables. It also goes wonderfully with summer salads, fresh cheeses or dishes with Mediterranean influences. Versatile, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal.

Served chilled, between 10 and 12°C, this wine does not require decanting and can be enjoyed immediately. It also offers a good aging potential of 5 years, allowing its aromas to gain complexity over time.

Les Bonnes Quilles White 2022,

Domaine Bois Moisset

Les Bonnes Quilles is an organic and natural white wine from the Gaillac terroir, produced by the Bois-Moisset estate. This new vintage, Les Bonnes Quilles, is aptly named. This white maceration wine, classified as Vin de France, is a marvel of balance and will seduce you with its personality.

Vinification

Les Bonnes Quilles blanc is a blend of three white grape varieties: Sauvignon and Muscadelle (the majority) and Len-de-l’el (Loin-de-l’œil), a Gaillac grape variety named for the length of its stalk, at 10%. The vines grow on the clay-limestone molasse soils of the first slopes of Gaillac and the grapes are harvested by hand. The Sauvignon and Muscadelle are directly pressed and rest in vats, while Loin-de-l’œil, destemmed, macerates for eight weeks on the skins. The two vats are blended for bottling.

Tasting

Les Bonnes Quilles, the aptly named. An engaging white wine, opulent yet dry, where the macerated far-of-the-eye plays the role of spice. At once fresh, robust and pleasant, Les Bonnes Quilles is superbly aromatic on the nose and in the mouth. A wine for friends and good food, with a sunny and convivial profile. It will accept solid pairings, nothing scares it: roasted white meats, fine poultry, grilled fish or fish in sauce, or country cuisine (cassoulet, stews, carbonades, etc.).

Learn more about the Bois-Moisset estate

In the heart of the oldest vineyard in France — that of Gaillac, in the Tarn — Sylvie Ledran, Philippe Maffre and their son Hippolyte watch over their Bois-Moisset estate, a wine-growing property associated with a mixed crop-livestock activity, all in organic farming. Gaillac is famous for its many ancient indigenous grape varieties, and its wine-growing heritage is uniquely rich.

Cows and Vines

The Bois-Moisset estate is also home to a herd of old local breed cows, and guest rooms are available during the summer months. It is in this small rural paradise that natural wines typical of their origin and terroir are born, on fifteen hectares of boulbènes, gravelly and sandy-loam soils carried by the Tarn for thousands of years.

Indigenous Grape Varieties

The grape varieties are dominated by Syrah and Duras, but the wines of the Bois-Moisset estate reflect the ampelographic richness of the Gaillac region (braucol, prunelart, loin-de-l’œil, mauzac, braucol, ondenc, etc.). The red wines are crisply fruity, concentrated but with smooth and delicate tannins, the whites have character and the pet’nat’s are particularly tasty.

SP Subirat Parent White 2021

Partida Creus

SP Subirat Parent, classified as Vino de Mesa (table wine), is, as its name suggests, made 100% from the native Catalan grape variety Subirat Parent. It is crisp and aromatic, with a nose of ripe white fruits, melon, and wildflowers. Agile on the palate, fresh and straightforward, lemony and slightly saline, it offers a long finish tinged with a delicate bitterness typical of the estate. Subirat Parent, one of the oldest Catalan grape varieties and a close relative of Malvasia, remains rare even in its country of origin. The clay-limestone soil enhances its freshness and integrity. The harvest is pressed after a three-day skin maceration. The must is settled and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats. It rests for three months in vats on fine lees before bottling.

Find out more

Partida Creus is an important estate, both from a winemaking and historical perspective – we are talking here about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont – and even from the Langhe region, where wine is well-known – first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug bit them, and they soon abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they find a quantity of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties that they passionately revive to save these varieties – and their wines – from oblivion. For them, it is not just a matter of heritage rescue, no: it is a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will never stop making from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to give their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic viticulture, entirely manual and natural in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, subirat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, bobal, cartoixà vermell and xarel·lo: Partida Creus is a veritable conservatory of native Catalan grape varieties. It also grows moscatel, grenache, merlot and cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with the winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single-variety wines are common among them, alongside extensive blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that denote the vintage. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Le Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume Red 2022

Fond Cyprès

Le Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume 2022 from the Fond Cyprès estate is a true ode to the terroir of Languedoc-Roussillon. This 100% Grenache Noir red wine, grown according to organic farming principles (Eurofeuille label), elegantly expresses the richness of its natural environment. Located in the Occitanie region, this vineyard is surrounded by woods on three sides, creating a microclimate conducive to the maturation of the 80-year-old vines that thrive on sandy soils.

Vinification and Aging

The vinification of this natural wine is carried out with a three-week maceration, followed by ten months of aging in vats. No oenological inputs are used and the fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts, thus guaranteeing a pure and authentic expression of Grenache Noir. Without filtration, this wine retains all its complexity and depth.

Tasting Notes

On tasting, Le Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume reveals an intense nose dominated by aromas of red fruits and typical notes of the garrigue surrounding the vineyard. On the palate, the wine is velvety, with a beautiful length and a silky texture that testifies to the controlled aging. The structure is balanced, offering a freshness that enhances the fruity and spicy flavors of Grenache. This wine has the potential to age beautifully for over ten years.

Food and wine pairings

Ideal with grilled or sauced red meats, this wine also pairs perfectly with Mediterranean dishes. For optimal enjoyment, serve it at a temperature of 14 to 16 degrees after lightly decanting.

Cinsauriel Red 2021

Jean Louis Pinto

Cinsauriel is an organic and natural red wine from the Languedoc region, produced by Jean-Louis Pinto of the Es d’Aqui estate. 100% Cinsault, classified as Vin de France, it comes from the schist soils of Berlou, near Saint-Chinian.

Vinification

Cinsauriel is obtained by fermentation with indigenous yeasts and a month of maceration of the whole bunches in sandstone jars, the container where the aging also takes place.

Tasting

Beautiful bright ruby color, nose of pepper, rose and strawberry, accents of garrigue, candied black olive and prune. Lively and powerful, Cinsauriel is a robust and distinguished wine. It calls for solid foods: beef, roast pork, roast poultry such as chicken, capon or duck. He also enjoys charcuterie and cured meats.

Learn more about Jean-Louis Pinto and the Es d’Aqui estate

A child of Ariège, Jean-Louis Pinto chose to stay in the country and make wines that resemble their terroir, hence the name Es d’Aqui (“He is from here”) that he gave to his wine merchant estate, located in Moulin-Neuf, a town near the Aude, between Mirepoix and Limoux. A region where vines once abounded, until the major mildew attacks at the beginning of the 20th century.

Winemaker and merchant

Jean-Louis buys grapes grown organically by winegrower friends. He monitors the fruit set, the ripening, and does everything to know the grapes before harvesting them. He vinifies them at home using natural methods, practicing long macerations on whole bunches and very gentle pressings in a vertical press. He says he has "a lot of vines in common" with his friend Anthony Tortul (La Sorga).

All the terroirs of Languedoc

Jean-Louis Pinto's collection area extends throughout Languedoc, particularly in Hérault, Aude, and Tarn. "I make wines from the South," he says. "I'm mainly looking for terroirs that give freshness." The most powerful reds are made in five terracotta jars, which help him control extraction and give his wines, he says, "a very crystalline quality."

Matinada Beer 2022,

Cyclic Beer Farm
Matinada is a dark sour (a dark, dense brown beer) heavily infused with coffee and orange. The coffee is a Colombian chambaku distributed by Nømad Coffee, and the flavoring is complemented by the zest and juice of organic oranges harvested at the family estate in Alt Empordà (Catalonia), as well as Madagascar vanilla pods, a touch of sea salt, and a touch of Palisade Hops. This vintage exhibits pronounced dryness and acidity, with very intense coffee aromas. Matinada is 5.6% ABV.

To find out more
Cyclic Beer Farm is a duo of Barcelona friends, Alberto and Joshua. Based in the Catalan capital, they have two sides to their business: beer (Cyclic Beer) and wine (Cyclic Wine). The beers, inspired by the Belgian model, come in surprising and colorful ranges where expertly measured yeast cocktails and house brews combine with varied macerations of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grape marc from traditional Catalan varieties, the latter taken after the fermentation of their wines — because the second side is the wine, made exclusively from native Catalan grape varieties. Packaged in 75 cl bottles so that everyone can satisfy their thirst, the beers play between classicism and flights of inspiration, in a contrasting and creative way, Catalan style, without forgetting to dare the beer with wine, of course. On classic bases and a Belgian fermentation model, the two brewers-winemakers Joshua and Alberto play with ingredients, aromas, macerations, between cereals, fruits, vegetables or grape skins of Catalan grape varieties, to achieve flavors that are reminiscent of the Obni (unidentified drinkable object). Whether they assert themselves on balance or on a certain managed dissonance, these beers will never leave you indifferent and will reveal their full potential during the summer heat, served well chilled (like their creators).

VNR Vinel lo Ancestral Sparkling Red 2019

Partida Creus
The beautiful light ruby ​​color of VN Vinel lo Ancestral is already tempting, and its low alcohol content (10.5%) is ideal for long aperitifs and large, chilled meals. Sparkling, fruity, and very fresh, with floral and yeasty notes, and a very long finish. Easy to drink, gurgling but with great distinction, VN Vinel·lo Ancestral is a natural sparkling red resulting from a rich and abundant blend of indigenous grape varieties: first Sumoll and Trepat in dominance, followed by Se Samsó (Cinsault), Garrut (Mourvèdre), Ull de Perdiu, Queixal de Llop and Grenache Noir, harvested on predominantly limestone soils. The blend is subject to variation depending on the vintage. After crushing, the musts of the different grape varieties ferment one after the other and are added gradually, thus prolonging the fermentation by indigenous yeasts. The fermentation finishes in the bottle, for ten months, on fine lees. No filtration, no additives, no added sulfites.

Find out more
Partida Creus is an important estate, both from a winemaking and historical perspective—we're talking about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont—and even from the Langhe region, where wine is well-known—first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug bit them, and they soon abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they found a wealth of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties, which they passionately revived to save these varieties—and their wines—from oblivion. On their part, it’s not just a matter of saving heritage, no: it’s a matter of taste and nature. Natural wines, which they will continue to make from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravelly, poor and poorly irrigated lands, where the vines suffer to give their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic, entirely manual and natural viticulture in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, ceciat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo: it is a true conservatory of the native Catalan grape varieties that Partida Creus cares for. Moscatel, Grenache, Merlot, and Cabernet (among others) are also grown here. Few wineries can boast growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single-varietal wines are common among them, alongside extensive blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that denote the cuvée. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

MUZ Rouge 2021

Partida Creus
Here's a great organic and natural vermouth from Partida Creus, an Iberian classic from Baix-Penedés (Catalonia). Made without additives or sulfites, MUZ Ver-Mut is a fortified sweet wine with plant maceration. Vermouth in the Spanish sense is not a mixology ingredient but a table wine made to accompany tapas and the finest dishes.

Vinification
To achieve this alchemic work that is MUZ Catalan vermouth, Partida Creus brings together a barrel of red wine, another of young wine and a third of dry white wine, all with the addition of a secret blend of macerated aromatic herbs. The rest? That's also a secret.

Tasting
MUZ vermouth from Partida Creus is a fruity, smooth and original treat, to share with friends. Black berries, blackcurrant, blackberry, a fine bitterness and a slight sweet sensation. Packaged in a one-liter bottle, MUZ will pair with all imaginable tapas, zakouskis, mezes and other kemias. We will also like it with Iberian charcuterie or smoked sardines.

Learn more about Partida Creus
Partida Creus is an organic, biodynamic and natural estate in southern Catalonia (Bonastre, Baix-Penedés) cultivated by Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, formerly architects in Barcelona. By recovering abandoned vines, they saved a stunning diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties from oblivion. On these sandy, clay-limestone or clay-gravelly soils, they produce natural wines without added sulphites.

A Catalan ampelothèque
Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, ceciat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo (among others): it is a true conservatory of native Catalan grape varieties that Partida Creus takes care of in natural mode. The wines reflect this diversity, with the winegrowers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush, and straightforward, breathe life.

The Partida Creus look
Single varietals are common at Partida Creus, alongside blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, sparkling wine (cava), or even vermouth. The bottles are instantly recognizable: plain glass or covered with ivory labels, the vintage being indicated by two large stenciled initials.

Susucaru Rosato Rosé 2020,

Frank Cornelissen
This organic rosé produced under the IGP Terre Siciliane label is made from Nerello Mascalese, Malvasia, Moscadella, and Insolia grapes grown on basalt soils in the biodiverse plots of Frank Cornelissen's vineyard. Its beautiful, bright strawberry color already makes it very seductive; the freshness that emerges on the nose and palate confirms this. Plenty of fruit and a slight bitterness make for this highly sought-after, enjoyable wine.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.

Es d'aqui Danslezetoiles Red 2016

Jean Louis Pinto

This blend of Braucol, Carignan, and Muscat grown on clay-limestone soils was vinified in amphorae. Notes of candied black fruit and leather complement the fruity and herbaceous notes, much to the delight of natural wine enthusiasts. Plenty of aromatic presence, character, and originality.

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.

Pierra Menta White 2022

Jean-Yves Péron

Pierra Menta is an exceptional organic, biodynamic, and natural dry white wine from Savoie made by Jean-Yves Péron. Classified as a Vin de France, Pierra Menta is made from the Gringet grape variety. The winemaker plans to plant more vines of this ancient variety until he reaches half a hectare.

Vinification

Gringet, which makes up 100% of Pierra Menta, is a white grape variety native to Haute-Savoie, historically linked to the commune of Ayse, near Bonneville. Jean-Yves Péron's vines are planted near Albertville, on a south-facing mica-schist plot. Gringet has long been confined to the Bonneville region and traditionally produces low-proof, high-yield sparkling wines. It is an interesting, fruity, low-alcohol grape variety with notes of quince and strong minerality. Pierra Menta's gringets are macerated for two weeks in carbonic acid, then punched down for two months, and aged for one year in 300-liter barrels.

Tasting

The quince is evident from the initial olfactory and taste, and the minerality supports this note. White fruits, florality, plenty of structure, and a nice acidity. An incredible length, too... We thank Jean-Yves for this and move on to the food and wine pairings: fish, seafood, oysters and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Learn more about Jean-Yves Péron

Jean-Yves Péron is a talented embodiment of the organic, biodynamic and natural renaissance of the Savoyard vineyard, which is based on varied soils and numerous indigenous grape varieties (Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, etc.). At his Chevaline winery in the Bauges region, he vinifies the grapes from his plots in Conflans, near Albertville, and Fréterive, in the Isère valley.

High-altitude biodynamics

Jean-Yves Péron's work follows the principles of minimal intervention. On narrow and steep surfaces, his mountain vines in micro-plots, worked by hand, do not receive any synthetic products, Jean-Yves preferring horsetail and nettle manure. All of Jean-Yves Péron's wines are sulfite-free, made from hand-harvested grapes, vinified in whole bunches and foot-trodden in the vat. For all vintages, the free-run and press are blended, then aged on lees for at least one year, in two- or three-wine barrels, amphorae or tuns, before final blending. They must be stored at a temperature below 18°C. No sulfites are added, or as little as possible, and the wines are not fined or filtered.

Italian-Savoyard trade

Since 2011, a trading activity has allowed Jean-Yves Péron to buy the harvest from neighboring organic winegrowers and to collaborate with winegrowers from Northern Italy: this is the I Vicini series, which allows him to diversify the terroirs and deepen his experiences in winemaking and aging.

La Belle Egarée White 2022

La Grapperie

La Belle Égarée is an organic (Ecocert) and natural dry white wine from the Coteaux du Loir, made from Chenin Blanc, without any additives or inputs. It is produced by Renaud Guettier of La Grapperie in the Vin de France category.

Vinification

La Belle Égarée comes from a blend of old and young vines growing on clay-siliceous soils over limestone. The harvest is carried out by hand and is directly pressed, and the must ferments in barrels using indigenous yeasts. Fermentation is followed by one year of aging. No sulfites added at bottling.

Tasting

A superb white Chenin, fruity and mineral, La Belle Égarée is stunningly complex; it is a wine of pure poetry, a fairy tale, focused on roundness and maturity more than acidity. A floral nose of jasmine, hawthorn, and acacia, a palate all mirabelle plum, ripe apple, and white pineapple, with mineral touches of smoke and incense. And a well-managed oxidative touch, in addition to a little something bewitching that is quite difficult to explain. A chiseled, truly exceptional wine, to be reserved for the finest meals or drunk on its own. Pair it with the finest cuisine, that of special occasions. For example, caviar, bottarga, large smoked salmon, oysters. It will go very well with a bellota Iberian ham!

Learn more about Renaud Guettier and La Grapperie

In the Coteaux du Loir appellation, La Grapperie is the name of the estate of Renaud Guettier, who can be described as a master of Chenin, but also of Pineau d'Aunis, which is one of the oldest grape varieties in the Loire Valley.

The estate

Renaud's 60 hectares of hillside vines are protected from the north winds by the Bercé forest. Depending on the altitude, the terroirs are predominantly clay, flint, or sand. The grape varieties are the two traditionally authorized varieties in the appellation: Chenin for the whites and Pineau d'Aunis for 90% of the reds, the rest consisting of a few ares of Côt, Gamay, and Grolleau. Some vines are more than a hundred years old.

In the vineyard and the winery

The entire estate is organically cultivated. The soils are worked and all viticultural interventions are manual, including the harvest, carried out at full maturity, which is reflected in the fullness and smoothness of the wines. For the reds, the Pineaux d'Aunis are partially destemmed (depending on the plot) and the macerations are quite long, three to four weeks, with punching down, to promote aging potential. The wines are aged in barrels for between twelve and twenty-four months, then racked, blended, and bottled without filtration. For the whites, the Chenins are pressed directly at low pressure and then put into barrels with complete malolactic fermentation, for at least eighteen months, including malolactic fermentation, and sometimes up to thirty-six months.

Burgundy Bedeau red 2022

Fréderic Cossard

Bedeau is an organic and natural red wine from Frédéric Cossard in the AOC/AOP Bourgogne region. While a "generic" red Burgundy, it perfectly evokes the character of its appellation and is suitable for all occasions. This is the red counterpart to the Bigotes cuvée.

Vinification

Bedeau is made from Pinot Noir vines grown on clay-limestone soils, on forty-year-old plots in Volnay and the surrounding area, as well as a plot of fifty-year-old vines in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The harvest is macerated in whole bunches.

Tasting

The nose is fresh, natural, evocative of tangy red fruits (morello cherry, plum, redcurrant). Bedeau is a beautiful, delicious and refined Pinot Noir, bursting with fresh, tangy and satiny fruit with a touch of insolence to enhance the whole. Lively and voluminous on the palate, spicy, with velvety and well-integrated tannins. Pair it with Red Meats, charcuterie, freshwater fish matelotes in red wine or beefstewed in sauce.

Learn more about Frédéric Cossard and the Domaine de Chassorney

Frédéric Cossard and the Domaine de Chassorney gives voice to Burgundy wines (and others) in organic and natural ways, undistorted by agricultural chemicals, according to the style and convictions of this winegrower and merchant. Wherever the grapes come from, his wines bear the Cossard brand, both classic and creative.

Between viticulture and trade

Frédéric Cossard created the Domaine de Chassorney in 1996: initially a few ares of vines in Saint-Romain, Auxey-Duresses and Savigny-lès-Beaune, and currently ten hectares spread across the Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Volnay, Bourgogne-Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune and Bourgogne appellations. In 2006, he created his own trading house and buys organic grapes from the greatest climates of Burgundy, but also from Jura, Languedoc and elsewhere.

A solid commitment to nature

At Frédéric Cossard, the work of the soil and the vines is done naturally: plowing by horse, biodynamics, no chemical fertilizers or weedkillers. The harvest, by hand, is carried out at full maturity. Frédéric Cossard's vintages are rare and sought-after, wines that are always highly anticipated but which sometimes require waiting.

Cep Bragelogne Blanc Champagne Brut

Eric Collinet
This Cep cuvée is an organic, biodynamic, and natural white brut champagne (Ecocert, AB, and Eurofeuille certifications) made from 100% Pinot Noir, from the vines of the Éric Collinet estate in Côte des Bar, the southernmost region of Champagne. Since 2014, this estate has been fully certified organic.

Terroir and Vinification
The Pinot Noir vines grow on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, bringing minerality and tension to the wines. Harvesting is done by hand. The wines are from the 2018 harvest. Dosage: 3.8 g/l.

An all-terrain champagne
Lively, fresh, and flavorful, this champagne, balanced between minerality and fruitiness, is a complete wine, ready for all combinations and pairings. The nose offers fresh white fruits, apple, and lychee, confirmed on the palate with a superb integration of all the sensations. Great evolving complexity. Pair it with a good meal or fine tapas. We also imagine a marriage of love with raw fish, smoked scallops, smoked salmon, caviar … Enjoy it between 10 and 12 °C.

Learn more about Éric Collinet champagnes
Limousin established in Southern Champagne “for the love of the land and the king of wines”, Éric Collinet devotes himself to viticulture on his land in Les Riceys, in Côte des Bar, combining it with a truffle cultivation activity (Burgundy truffle, Tuber uncinatum). Whether it's vines or mycorrhizal trees, Éric and his wife Martine share the same love of nature and biodiversity in their estate.

Champagne Agroforestry
On sloping land, planting trees in the vines helps to anchor them and compensate for water loss during increasingly hot summers. The dominant grape variety is Pinot Noir, a regional tradition, with Chardonnay making up 20% of the total. The entire estate (2.5 hectares of vines) has been managed organically (AB, Eurofeuille, Ecocert) and biodynamically since 2014.

The charm of the Côte des Bar
A remarkable freshness and salinity, a well-known signature of the Kimmeridgian limestone of the Côte des Bar, the "emerging" region of Champagne. Domaine Collinet's champagnes are unanimously described as lively and fruity. These wines are tangy but not lacking in roundness, with a lively bubble. Perfect for pairing with any dish, a great opportunity to enjoy Champagne meals without having to worry too much about pairing them.