What

A family of sheep farmers whose 1970 land purchase in the Aube eventually led them to biodynamic viticulture and winemaking.

Where

Essoyes, Côte des Bars.

Why

Fosse Grely, is the original half hectare the family bought in 1970. Its 30 year-old massale selected chardonnay and pinot vines grown on a south/southeast facing slope of red clay on limestone. The wines ferment in oak casks, undergo malo and rest on lees for 9 months before bottling, allowing them to be made without added sulfites or dosage.

What else

Papillon, from the same vineyard, uses only vines from the original massale selection; it’s named for the butterflies the vines attract. The family farmed organically for decades; took the biodynamic leap with help from Pierre Paillard and Vouette et Sorbée’s Bertrand Gautherot.

Tasting Notes

The nose is greeted with luscious satsuma, passion fruit and hibiscus, almost belying its “naturalness.” Meanwhile, the palate feels both tart and dry, with an acetic, kombucha-like lemon ginger middle slipping into a yeasty, powdery, grapefruit seltzer finish.

Try It With 

Seafood salads with tart sauces.

When To Drink

Main course.

Perfect For

Your hipster friend.

Tatler Tip

Hold onto those gorgeous, jewellery-like caps.

TL/DR

Natural style but bursting with fruit flavour.

Supplier

La Cabane a Vin