Ruppert-Leroy Fosse Grely Brut Nature 2020
A biodynamic grower-producer that got its start in 1970 with a land purchase in the Aube
Grape Makeup:
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Sweetness Level:
Brut Nature
Ageing on Lees:
18-20 months
Price:
$$
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Culinary
Photos
What
A family of sheep farmers whose 1970 purchase in the Aube eventually led them to biodynamic viticulture and winemaking
Where
Essoyes, Côte des Bars; 4 hectares divided into 3 parcels, of which Fosse Grely is the largest at 2.13 hectares.
Why
The original half hectare the family bought in 1970 is within Fosse-Grely. Its 30 year-old massale selected (not monoclone) chardonnay and pinot vines are grown on a south and southeast facing slope of red clay over limestone. The wines ferment in used Burgundy barriques then undergo malolactic fermentation and rest on lees for 9 months before bottling, allowing them to be made without added sulfites (which are usually added for stability) or dosage (the usual process of adding sugar for richness).
What Else
Other than the NV, each of the estate’s other cuvées are single-site, single vintage, single variety wines.
Tasting Notes
Giving off strong "natural" vibes from the beginning, this reels off ginseng, wet clay, pine resin and incense smokiness over pretty, tart kumquat fruit. Even more exotic and sexy on the palate, this shows the same notes as the nose with more of a sour yeasty, almost beery quality. Acidity is sharp and amplified by the volatility, becoming quite yeasty and "natural" on the finish again.
Try It With
Dishes with strong bitter, herbal or medicinal flavours e.g. ginseng or galangal.
When To Drink
Entrées or snacks.
Perfect For
The coolest wine geek you know.
TL/DR
"Natural," smoky and exotic.
Supplier
La Cabane à Vin
