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The genesis of wine is often traced back to the seventh millennium BCE, in the Caucasus, where wine was aged in qvevris (or kvrevris), large jars of 3500 liters buried in the ground. Traditionally, wine has always been what we now consider organic, but the term "organic wine" appeared at the end of the 20th century, in reaction to the hyper-industrialization of wine. Indeed, it was in a context of wine globalization after the Second World War that wine production began to flood the global market with wines full of additives and synthetic chemicals to achieve higher yields and more standardized production, known as conventional wine. Organic wine is therefore a logical response to conventional wine; it aims to be more environmentally friendly and adheres to strict specifications governing wine production.
Organic wine is therefore a wine (red wine, white wine, rosé wine, orange wine, sparkling wine) made from organic farming. Organic wine first met the European specifications of 1991, which governed the principles of organic farming only in the vineyard. It was not until 2012 that new European specifications were published, this time stipulating organic farming regulations also in the cellar.
As mentioned above, wine from organic farming has theoretically always existed, but it is only since 2012 that it has been regulated and controlled by strict specifications in both the vineyard and the cellar. To summarize its obligations, organic wine must be made from certified organic grapes, as well as the sugar, must, or alcohol used during chaptalization and mutage. Also, its specifications prohibit certain winemaking practices such as de-alcoholization, electrodialysis, or thermovinification. The European Union also mandates a sulfite level 50 milligrams per liter lower than conventional wines, i.e., a maximum of 100 milligrams per liter for organic red wines and a maximum of 150 milligrams per liter for organic white wines.
The organic sector is booming, representing nearly 10% of global vineyard area in 2021 with growth of +3.2% compared to 2020 and +78% in 10 years. France is a leader in this field, hosting nearly a third of the world's organic vineyards, followed by its Italian and Spanish neighbors. But organic farming is not only beneficial for the environment; it is also a driver of social well-being. According to a study by Riccardo Vecchio, the organic wine industry creates 50% more jobs than the conventional wine industry, offering more stable jobs with a third of certified farms employing one or more permanent employees, compared to one in five for uncertified farms.
What are the different organic labels recognized in France?
It is INAO that delegates organic farming control and certification activities to independent and approved certification bodies, including Agrocert, Bureau Veritas Certification France, Certipaq bio, Certis, Certisud, Ecocert, Qualisud, Bureau Alpes Contrôles. Every year, certified vineyards are audited by one of these bodies, and in case of irregularity, a unique catalog of measures is applied. A label project to identify farms in the conversion phase (over one or more years) is also under study.
However, for some winemakers, the AB label is too flexible and allows for farming that claims to be organic but has some industrial deviations, notably with the support of large retailers who are trying to seize these new market opportunities. Therefore, two new labels have emerged: Nature & Progrès and Bio Cohérence have stricter specifications, including a ban on sales through mass distribution channels, a measure whose implementation aims to promote short supply chains.
It should be noted that there are many other labels categorizing organic wines that have stricter specifications. Demeter and Biodyvin regulate biodynamic wines or wines from biodynamic winemaking, an esoteric viticulture that considers the vine as a living ecosystem with more rigorous legislation on operations carried out in the cellar. Stricter than biodynamics (or biodynamic wine), the Vin Méthode Nature label proposes a charter for natural wine with an emphasis on low addition of sulfites in the wine and the use of indigenous yeasts. Terra Vitis and Haute Valeur Environnementale are two labels that promote sustainable development, through the preservation of biodiversity, phytosanitary strategies, and fertilization and irrigation management.
Finally, it should also be remembered that many winemakers refuse to be categorized under any label because it would mean denying the principle of the agricultural counter-model: emancipating oneself from standardized norms, not fitting into boxes. This can be seen as a way for the winemaker to assert themselves as unique and with a strong identity.
How is consuming organic wine better for the environment?
One of the great strengths of organic winemakers is their ability to bring life back to the soil and the surrounding flora and fauna. In France, viticulture accounts for 20% of agricultural pesticide use, compared to only 3% of agricultural land. Organic viticulture therefore emerges as an ecological hope: little to no use of phytosanitary products, recourse to organic fertilizers and compost, a reduction of up to one-third of CO2 emissions compared to conventional wine. With better respect for the vine, there is on the one hand a rebirth of the soil, which slows down erosion and promotes subterranean flora and fauna, and on the other hand, a rebirth of pollinators (bees, butterflies...) thanks to an increasing presence of life between the vines (hedges, wild plants, shrubs...).
Organic viticulture also allows for better water management, notably with less water stress (more organic matter in the soil allows for better water retention) and especially less artificial irrigation (the resilience of the vine is preferred). Each cuvée, each vintage, each bottle, in short, each wine from organic farming is therefore directly influenced by climatic hazards, which makes it possible to produce a wine (red wine, white wine, rosé wine, orange wine, sparkling wine) with its own distinct and marked personality.
How is consuming organic wine better for health?
No one can deny that alcohol, and therefore wine, is dangerous for health and should be consumed in moderation. Nevertheless, where conventional wine may contain pesticide residues, additives, and chemicals, organic wine reduces the presence of these harmful substances. It is also full of living bacteria and yeasts that can have benefits for the microbiota, including improved blood vessel function, improved protection of brain cells against cognitive damage, reduced risk of certain types of cancer (especially breast cancer), and better digestion thanks to the production of digestive enzymes stimulated by wine.
Another undeniable health benefit of organic wine is the reduction of sulfites, preservatives widely used in conventional wine to stabilize it. For an equivalent amount consumed, an organic wine will cause fewer headaches the next day than a conventional wine!
What are the advantages of organic farming for winemakers?
When we talk about organic wine, we often think about the health of our planet or our body, but we think much less about the health of our winemakers. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to observe cases of cancer or respiratory problems among winegrowers, due to synthetic chemicals used such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers. Conversely, organic wine aims to drastically reduce these substances, so organic viticulture is beneficial for those who work the vines daily.
Although organic farming requires more physical and organizational effort, it exposes winemakers to significantly fewer toxic products. The use of alternative methods is also beneficial from a psychological point of view, as some producers state that the quality of the organic wine produced offers and brings a deep meaning to their profession, and according to a virtuous circle, this helps maintain a respectful, attentive, and intuitive relationship with their wine work.
But organic farming is also synonymous with short supply chains and therefore support for local economies with a win-win situation for all: the consumer has full traceability of the bottles consumed, and the producer has an income that better reflects the reality of their work. A virtuous system is thus created where the winemaker has more financial resources, allowing them to experiment with new things (new grape varieties, for example) and thus increase consumer satisfaction.
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1075 products
1075 products
Fond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
Le Carignan de la Source Red 2022
2075
€20,75
Unit price perFond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
Le Carignan de la Source Red 2022
2075
€20,75
Unit price perLe Carignan de la Source Red 2022
Immerse yourself in the generous and authentic world of Carignan de la Source 2022 from the Fond Cyprès estate. This natural red wine, made from old Carignan vines over 60 years old, is a tribute to the clay-limestone terroirs of Languedoc-Roussillon. With a three-week maceration and 10 months of aging in vats, this cuvée reveals the full potential of this iconic grape variety in a pure, unadulterated expression.
Terroir and Vinification
This wine is made from grapes grown according to the principles of organic farming (Eurofeuille label), carefully harvested by hand to preserve their integrity. Indigenous yeasts, naturally present on the grapes, play a key role in fermentation, ensuring vinification without additives or filtration. The clay-limestone soil of the "La Source" plot offers an elegant minerality and contributes to the wine's freshness.
Tasting Notes
The Carignan de la Source 2022 reveals a deep red color with bright highlights. On the nose, subtle aromas of leather and animal notes intertwine with scents of black fruit and lime blossom, creating a seductive olfactory complexity. On the palate, this wine is distinguished by its velvety texture, well-balanced acidity, and supple tannins that stretch with finesse. A very supple Carignan, marked by a beautiful length and refreshing acidity.
Food and Wine Pairing
Ideal for accompanying Mediterranean dishes, this natural wine will pair wonderfully with dishes based on grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, or generous Provençal cuisine. Serve it at a temperature of 14-16°C and don't hesitate to decant it to reveal all its aromatic richness.
Aging Potential
Although already superb to taste, Le Carignan de la Source 2022 has an aging potential of more than 10 years, evolving into even more complex aromas with time.
Fond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
Toile de Fond (exclusive vintage) Red 2023
1550
€15,50
Unit price perFond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
Toile de Fond (exclusive vintage) Red 2023
1550
€15,50
Unit price perToile de Fond (exclusive vintage) Red 2023
The Toile de Fond Red 2023 is an exclusive vintage from the Fond Cyprès estate, nestled in the foothills of the Corbières mountains in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This wine, certified organic under the Eurofeuille label, is a true tribute to the clay-limestone and blue marl terroirs of this southern region. The cuvée is made primarily from Carignan, combined with Grenache Noir and Syrah, offering a rich and complex expression.
Vinification and Terroir
Vinification is carried out in accordance with the principles of natural viticulture. After a three-week maceration, the wine is aged for six months in stainless steel vats, preserving the purity of the aromas. The yeasts used are indigenous, reflecting the true essence of the terroir and limiting human intervention. The estate has been practicing organic farming since 2006, with manual harvests that guarantee meticulous grape selection.
Tasting
Upon tasting, this red wine reveals a deep color with garnet highlights. On the nose, intense aromas of leather and red fruits explode, highlighting a slightly animal touch, characteristic of the wines of this region. On the palate, the texture is silky, with a balanced structure and well-integrated tannins that provide a beautiful aromatic persistence.
Food and Wine Pairings
The Toile de Fond Rouge 2023 pairs perfectly with red meats, such as duck breast or grilled prime rib. For an optimal experience, serve it at a temperature of 14-16 degrees and do not hesitate to decant it to release all its aromatic complexity.
Aging Potential
This wine has an impressive aging potential of 10 years or more, which will allow its aromas to develop further over time. A vintage to discover and rediscover over the years, for wine lovers who like to see their collection evolve.
Toile de Fond Rouge 2023 is an invitation to explore the nuances of Occitania, in an approach that respects nature and the terroir.
Hedyos Red 2023
Hedyos is a red wine from the Gaillac terroir (Occitanie), organic and natural, produced by Domaine Bois-Moisset and classified as a Vin de France. A classic Syrah from the South, remarkable for its lightness and drinkability.
Vinification
Hedyos is 100% Syrah, produced without any chemical additives and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The Syrah harvest macerates for two weeks in whole bunches.
Tasting
A spicy lightness characterizes Hedyos, a red wine from Domaine Bois Moisset. The Syrah is fluid, supple, and mineral, with a dominant sweet spice and notes of black olives. It pairs well with Mediterranean dishes, tapenade, bagna cauda or anchoïade, pizzas, and pissaladières.
Learn more about Domaine Bois-Moisset
In the heart of France's oldest vineyard—Gaillac, in the Tarn region—Sylvie Ledran, Philippe Maffre, and their son Hippolyte oversee their Bois-Moisset estate, a wine-growing property associated with mixed crop and livestock farming, all organic. Gaillac is famous for its many ancient indigenous grape varieties, and its wine-growing heritage is uniquely rich.
Cows and Vines
Domaine Bois-Moisset 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 their terroir are born, on fifteen hectares of boulbènes, gravelly and sandy-loam soils carried by the Tarn for thousands of years.
Native 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’ are particularly tasty.
Les Bonnes Quilles Blanc 2023
Domaine de Bois-Moisset
Originating from Gaillac in Occitanie, organic and natural, Les Bonnes Quilles is a white wine from Domaine Bois-Moisset, obtained through light maceration and classified as a Vin de France. This marvel of balance and aroma will seduce you with its personality and adaptability to all occasions.
Vinification
Les Bonnes Quilles blanc is a blend of three grape varieties: Loin-de-l'œil 70%, Muscadelle 20%, and Sauvignon 10%. The vines grow on the clay-limestone molasse soils of the first slopes of Gaillac and the grapes are harvested by hand. The harvest is directly pressed with a short five-day maceration for the loin-de-l'œil, a Gaillac variety named for the length of its petiole.
Tasting
Les Bonnes Quilles deserves its name: great freshness, original aromas of pear and grapefruit with notes of rose. An endearing white wine where the macerated loin-de-l'œil plays the role of a spice. This wine for friends and good food, with its sunny and convivial profile, will accept solid pairings, nothing scares it: roasted white meats, beautiful poultry, grilled fish or fish in sauce, or country cuisine.
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 very old 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. It is in this small rural paradise that natural wines typical of their origin and their terroir are born, on fifteen hectares of boulbènes, gravelly and sandy-loam soils carried by the Tarn for thousands of years.
Native 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’ are particularly tasty.
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.
Marguerite Red 2020
Marguerite is a beautiful bouquet of sweet and spicy spices: cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg. This red wine from the Gaillac region offers plenty of freshness and volume on the palate, expressing the quality of both its terroir and its grape variety. It is made from 100% Duras, a typical Gaillac grape variety, a cross between Savagnin and Tressot. Some of the vines, around thirty years old, grow on the third terrace of the Tarn, therefore on sandy loam soil, and the other part, also thirty years old, grows on clay-gravel soils exposed to the north. The harvest is destemmed and vatted for two weeks without the addition of sulfites in a cement vat. The marc is punched down twice at low temperature. The wine is aged in cement barrels before bottling.
To find out more
The name Gaillac, the region where the Bois-Moisset estate is located, in the hands of Sylvie Ledran and Philippe Maffre, has been associated with wines since Antiquity; it is the oldest vineyard in France, with two thousand years of history and an impressive collection of ancient indigenous grape varieties. It is also a region of dazzling beauty, nicknamed "French Tuscany" because of its gentle hills planted with groves and its almost Florentine luminosity. Many estates, including that of Bois-Moisset, showcase this uniquely rich winemaking heritage. Along with an estate planted with vines, it is an organic mixed farm that directly sells its production of lentils, sunflower oil, cereal flours, and grape juice. A herd of old local breed cows also thrives there, and guest rooms are available in the summer. 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. The grape varieties are dominated by Syrah and Duras, but the ampelographic richness of Gaillacois (braucol, prunelart, loin-de-l'œil, etc.) is also evident in the vintages of the Bois-Moisset estate, which consist particularly of red wines with crisp fruitiness, concentrated but with smooth and delicate tannins.
Grandes Orgues Rouge 2018,
Frédéric Gounan
Blessed with superb maturity and great minerality, Les Grandes Orgues by Frédéric Gounan is a single-varietal Pinot Noir from Auvergne grown on basalt soils. Its generous, concentrated body, great liveliness, and freshness make it a sumptuous, lively, energetic wine capable of being enjoyed on its own. Beautiful notes of red fruits mineralized by basalt and lava, a true wine born of the earth. The distinction between Grandes Orgues and Petites Orgues is in no way linked to the plot but to the vintage and the blend. It is made during tasting, at the very end of aging. It is the first wine to be racked, the quintessence of the vintage. What seems the greatest, the most obvious, is the subject of the first blend. Then, the rest is blended to create the Les Petites Orgues cuvée. These Grandes Orgues are a pleasure to enjoy with local cuisine.
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).
Vino Rosso Rossetto Red 2021,
Fruit and drinkability above all: Rossetto was designed to be joyful and easy to drink. Azienda Corvagialla sought to promote maximum acidity in the harvest to obtain a pleasant wine with a very present fruity note: cherry and strawberry, on the nose as well as on the palate. This wine is a distinguished gurgling wine, a wine for pleasure and relaxation with friends that you will love to return to on any occasion. Rossetto is a 100% Sangiovese from the most vigorous plot of the vineyard: made up of volcanic soils, it faces west and is located at an altitude of 450 meters. The harvest is destemmed and macerated for about three weeks with daily pumping over or punching down as needed. After fermentation, Rossetto is aged in fiberglass vats until bottling in March.
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The Azienda Corva Gialla ("yellow crow") is a wine estate in Lazio, Italy, located on the edge of Umbria in the Alta Tuscia Viterbese. A volcanic region considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and characterized by its calanches, tall tuff rock formations delimiting deep valleys carved by numerous streams and torrents. Corva Gialla is located in Lubriano, opposite Civita di Bagnoregio. Alta Tuscia is proving to be a breeding ground for young winemaking talents devoted to nature who are promoting these lands deprived throughout history. Founded in 2017, the estate comprises four hectares cultivated by Beatrice Arweiler, originally from another wine-growing region, between the Rhine and the Moselle. The new owner also planted an olive grove (Frantoio and Leccino varieties) and developed the estate into a mixed crop and livestock system. The vines were planted with the help of Gian Marco Antonuzzi of the Le Coste estate. The friable volcanic soil lends itself beautifully to viticulture and the planting of grape varieties such as Grechetto d'Umbria, Trebbiano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Ciliegiolo. The estate's wines are quintessentially Italian, meaning they are crafted primarily for enjoyment. They are straightforward, deep, and easy to drink, expressing the strong minerality of their soils.
Fond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
The Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume Red 2020
1800
€18,00
Unit price perFond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
The Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume Red 2020
1800
€18,00
Unit price perLe Grenache du Bois Saint Jaume Rouge 2020,
Fond Cyprès
Fresh, delicious, supple, intense, balanced, and with a surprising length on the palate, this beautiful red Grenache is perfect for drinking or keeping. Delicate and velvety, it offers beautifully blended tannins and a magnificent balance with notes of undergrowth and garrigue plants. It has the generous and caressing character of its grape variety. This is a good example of Fond Cyprès' "forest" wines, marked not only by their grape varieties but also by the wooded and windy environment that refreshed the grapes' growth. After hand-harvesting, destemming, and four weeks of fermentation in concrete vats, the wine spends ten months aging in old barrels. It comes from a sandy plot of Grenache vines surrounded by a forest and a biodynamic olive grove. It is aged for nine to twelve months in old 228-liter demi-muids, which have the advantage of not oaking the wine but ensuring a comfortable, gentle aging process.
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This Languedoc estate is built on solid foundations: its two winemakers, Rodolphe and Laetitia, are also descendants of winemakers. Even before planting their first vine, they already had a clear objective: "to produce southern wines that reflect us, wines with character, attached to our soils, with freshness and refined tannins." They want to obtain entirely natural wines, concentrates of terroir. In the old Corbières massif, they are taking over an old heart of the estate already planted with abandoned Carignan and Grenache, which have seen neither fertilizer nor pesticides for years: these clean, living soils are an ideal condition for launching into natural wine. Around this historic heart, they first planted Grenache Noir and Syrah, then a plot of white grape varieties: Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne. The estate has been Ecocert certified since 2010 and also complies with the Nature & Progrès charter. The vinification is done without the addition of sulfites or exogenous yeasts. "We make wines for pleasure," say Laetitia and Rodolphe. For them, natural wine is first assessed by taste, from the harvest. The vintages closely follow the plots, the musts are fruity, fluid, and complex. The wines of Fond Cyprès poetically evoke the estate's ecosystem and the vegetation that protects the plots: the pine forests, the shady springs, the beauty of the natural environment that brings freshness to the wines and leaves the soil's signature. Deliciously balanced between mineral imprint, vegetal environment and expression of fruit, the wines of Fond Cyprès reflect the South: the caress of its sun, but also the freshness of its shadows.
Les Fesses Blanc 2018,
Frédéric Gounan
A beautiful, rich, and distinguished gastronomic wine, beautifully mineral, dominated by notes of honey and white fruits (quince, apple, pear, rhubarb) of remarkable purity. No provocation in the appellation, Les Fesses is the name of the plot from which this white Sauvignon and Pinot Gris, produced biodynamically and using natural vinification, comes. The soils are rich in minerals: clay-limestone, granite, and basalt. The direct-pressed Sauvignon must ferments for six months in vats with the destemmed Pinot Gris, before aging for three years in barrels.
To find out more
Coming from a farming family 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 designer 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 took over plots of Gamay from Auvergne, planted other grape varieties, and ended 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 fan of organic and biodynamic farming, Frédéric also applies methods that he considers 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. Its wines are rare and distinguished, highly sought after by connoisseurs: small estate (less than two hectares), small production (by volume, not by spirit).
Hip Hip Chardonnay Savagnin Blanc 2018
Domaine de l’Octavin
Vibrant acidity and freshness balanced by beautiful aromatic notes, exotic fruits, and a lovely touch of tannins and spices—this is the Hip Hip cuvée, dedicated to the two white grape varieties typical of the Arbois region. Alice Bouvot vinifies various local white and red grape varieties under this name. This Chardonnay-Savagnin version is the result of a two-month whole-bunch maceration. Pressing is followed by a year of aging in vats. The long maceration gives Alice Bouvot the opportunity to highlight the most aromatic aspects of these two grape varieties: exotic fruits, vibrant acidity, a lovely touch of tannins and spices. A magnificent balance between dryness and suppleness. Truly made for all pairings.
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“You don’t need anything,” says Alice Bouvot, winemaker at Domaine de l’Octavin, “just a grape that feels good in its skin.” Everything is said in favor of natural wine; it’s a perfect description. Created in 2005, Domaine d’Alice is located in Arbois, in the wine-growing Jura region, often described as the most organic vineyard in France. The practice of making – among other things – oxidative wines is a good preparation for natural wine, as this type of wine does not allow any chemical additives and especially no sulfites. It’s a secret of this magnificent region. Originally spread over two hectares, the estate, managed entirely biodynamically (Demeter) since 2010, has expanded through the gradual acquisition of plots and now covers seven hectares.
An accomplished musician and passionate music lover, Alice intends to apply her musical sensitivity to the wines she makes. She draws a parallel between the technical perfection of conventional wines which risks excluding feeling, while "a musician who does not know music theory and plays with his guts creates emotion." For her, living wine is like this: instinctive, improvised, emotional. Introduced to natural wine by Stéphane Planche, sommelier at chef Jean-Paul Jeunet in Arbois, she will faithfully follow this path. The sometimes whimsical titles of her vintages are inspired sometimes by musical art (Dorabella, Zerline), sometimes by the numerous plots of land that make up her vineyard (En Curon, Les Corvées, En Poussot, etc.), and do not disdain a pun from time to time. Likewise, the labels adorned with happy and salacious little gnomes are a signature of the estate. As for the grape varieties, they are the classics of the Jura - Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir for the reds, and Chardonnay, Savagnin for the whites. Alongside her Arbois wines, Alice has created a business of "on the vine" grapes (Ecocert certified) with her winegrower friends from the region. Natural, committed, joyful and highly drinkable, the wines of Alice Bouvot are all the more coveted as the vintages, produced in plot-by-plot mode, appear, disappear and reappear depending on the vintage and inspiration.
Saint-Joseph Amphore Rouge 2018,
Domaine des Miquettes
With passion and talent, Domaine des Miquettes combines the terroir and winemaking traditions of the Rhône with those of Georgia, whose viticulture is a model for Paul Estève and Chrystelle Vareille, the estate's founders. Located in Ardèche, south of the Saint-Joseph appellation, Paul learned his trade from René-Jean Dard and François Ribo, two leading figures in natural wine in the Rhône Valley. With Chrystelle, he began by taking over Paul's family farm with two acres of vines, then in 2004 the entire estate, which now covers 4.3 hectares. The white grape varieties are located around the house, the red grape varieties are planted on steep hillsides, between 300 and 450 meters above sea level. The plots rest on a granite base with light soils: black mica granite, schist, and gneiss. Everything is grown organically (Ecocert) using biodynamic practices. The vines are cared for and fortified using plant and clay decoctions. The soils are worked by horse or winch and pickaxe. No chemical inputs are added to the vineyard work. The harvest is entirely manual.
The great specificity of the Domaine des Miquettes remains the use of Georgian techniques, inspired by their passion for this Caucasian country, the cradle of wine, where eight thousand year old winemaking techniques are still used. At the heart of this viticulture is the qvevri, the buried jar where all the winemaking takes place: fermentation with skin maceration and aging. They set out to explore this country and returned with the decision to age all their wines in buried jars. They have twenty-six, but distinguish between tinajas (Spanish jars) for fermentation-maceration and buried "amphorae" for aging. No sulfur is added. For both reds and whites, terracotta erases astringency and transmutes it into a velvety texture, a fruity and supple substance.
Here is a superb Syrah from old vines in AOP Saint-Joseph, aged in terracotta amphorae. Deep, balanced, and structured, yet showing a beautiful fusion of tannins and an opulent aromatic palette, this fruity and spicy Saint-Joseph is to be drunk now or kept for a few more years. A beautiful signature of the Saint-Joseph terroir.
Fond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
The Carignan de la Source Rouge 2019
1780
€17,80
Unit price perFond Cyprès - Rodolphe Ourliac et Laetitia Gianesini
The Carignan de la Source Rouge 2019
1780
€17,80
Unit price perLe Carignan de la Source Rouge 2019,
Fond Cyprès
This Languedoc estate is built on solid foundations: its two owners, Rodolphe and Laetitia, are both descendants of winegrowers. Even before planting their first vine, they already had a clear objective: "to produce southern wines that reflect our style, wines with character, rooted in our soils, with freshness and refined tannins." They want to create entirely natural wines, concentrated expressions of terroir. In the heart of the ancient Corbières massif, they are taking over an old estate already planted with abandoned Carignan and Grenache grapes, which have seen neither fertilizer nor pesticides for years: these clean, vibrant soils are ideal conditions for embarking on a natural winemaking journey. Around this historic heart, they first planted Grenache Noir and Syrah, then a plot of white grape varieties: Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne. The estate has been Ecocert certified since 2010 and also complies with the Nature & Progrès charter. The vinification is done without the addition of sulfites or exogenous yeasts. "We make wines for pleasure," say Laetitia and Rodolphe. For them, natural wine is first assessed by taste, from the harvest. The vintages closely follow the plots, the musts are fruity, fluid, and complex. The wines of Fond Cyprès poetically evoke the estate's ecosystem and the vegetation that protects the plots: the pine forests, the shady springs, the beauty of the natural environment that brings freshness to the wines and leaves the soil's signature. Deliciously balanced between mineral imprint, vegetal environment and expression of fruit, the wines of Fond Cyprès reflect the South: the caress of its sun, but also the freshness of its shadows.
Coming from a plot of sixty-year-old Carignan, this wine is aged for twelve months in old demi-muid (barrels of 500 to 650 liters). With its ripe and evolved tannins, it offers great aging potential, but we can already start drinking it. It is a typically Languedoc wine, full of freshness and delicacy, as fruity as it is generous. A lively bottle.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Finisterra White 2019,
Jean-Marc Dreyer
Aromatic and floral, full of citrus peel and tropical fruits, Finisterra is a sort of quintessential Alsace wine, a rare and refined vintage of captivating complexity. Lychee, passion fruit, white flowers, ginger, and yellow rose, on an aromatic background of beeswax. This wine has balsamic accents of waxed old wood and yellow fruits (peach), spices, on a delicate mineral framework of tannins reminiscent of Chinese oolong tea. The secret? Jean-Marc Dreyer blended five grape varieties—Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, and Gewurztraminer—to create this skin-macerated cuvée with structure, oxidative notes, and a deep amber color. It will pair very well with roast poultry, game, and anything related to duck or goose: duck breasts, duck with blood, roast duckling, confit, and foie gras. We also imagine it with well-simmered wild mushrooms. A wine to enjoy after an autumn walk. Biodynamic method, fermentation using indigenous yeasts, unfiltered, unclarified, with no sulfites added in the vineyard or cellar.
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"Maceration is a tradition in Alsace!" says Jean-Marc Dreyer, adding that direct pressing in this region is a modern invention, linked to the advent of electricity. In the past, people worked by hand and let the grapes macerate before sending the marc to the press. » Whole-bunch maceration is Jean-Marc Dreyer's signature and represents 85% of the estate's production, the remainder consisting of direct-pressed whites, often aged using controlled oxidation. Jean-Marc succeeds several generations of his family at the Dreyer & Fils estate, established in 1830 between Obernai and Molsheim. Upon taking over the estate, he immediately opted for biodynamics, but he hesitated for a while between several methods: at first, his wines were more oaky, aged in new barrels with stirring. Then came the sweet period: all his wines contained residual sugar. In 2008, he tried vinifying without any sulfur and found his direction: the following winter, upon returning from the pilgrimage to Compostela, he swore never to add sulfur to any wine again. Having made this decision, he asserts his style around skin maceration, quite advanced, chiseled, always surprising on Alsatian grape varieties, of which it brings out the structure without sacrificing the delicacy. Jean-Marc works in single-varietal or blended vintages and also produces Pinot Noir reds of surprising depth.
Funambule Sparkling White 2019, Château Lafitte
A 100% natural sparkling wine made from Gros Manseng, straight from the extraordinary Jurançon vineyard, Funambule holds its own. The nose is immediately captivated by a great aromatic freshness that continues on the palate with euphoric notes of lemon and mandarin. A perfect balance of solidity and delicacy, it accompanies a meal from aperitif to dessert.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Goes with: Charcuterie, Hard cheeses
Le Litre Arbitre White 2019
Pairs with: Oysters and Shellfish, Raw Fish, Cooked Fish, Grilled Fish
Magnum P'tit Nouveau Gamay - Red - 2019
Vincent Wallard
This is an all-gamay carbonic maceration extracted from grapes from the Jean-François Debourg estate in southern Beaujolais. Fresh and crisp, it offers beautiful notes of red fruits (cherry). Decanting is required to allow its sweet and gourmet qualities to express themselves.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Orange Blanc 2018, Chateau Lafitte
This Orange cuvée is made from Petit Manseng, the emblematic grape variety of Jurançon. It is macerated for 21 days in terracotta jars, which gives it this beautiful tawny color, this powerful nose and these supple and melting tannins. A real treasure to keep for up to ten years in the cellar (if you can still do that).
Natural wine with no added sulfites
Magnum Charpenay White 2017
One of those pure (and all too rare) Beaujolais whites! A 100% Chardonnay from vines planted on the granite and sandy soils around Mont Brouilly. On both the nose and palate, the Charpenay cuvée captivates with beautiful notes of freshly picked white fruits and a slightly honeyed finish.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.
