A huge blend of grapes from a single vineyard mixed planting of obscure indigenous grapes (Riveyrenc Gris, anyone?), some red and some white - all in together! This one is all about immediacy; densely packed with layer upon layer of vibrant red and black fruit, with some lifted nice top notes from the white grapes in the mix. We find it benefits from being served lightly chilled.
The delicious wines of JF Coutelou were, until the last couple of years, something we only seemed to be able to get hold of when we were on trips to France. They are always a treat, combining as they do some very accomplished winemaking with exceedingly humble pricing. The domaine in Puimisson is certified organic, and Coutelou is of the firm belief that natural winemaking can only happen as a direct result of the work that is put in to the vines. All the individual grape varietals are fermented separtely here, and then the cuvée is built and blended following this. As the wines are not direct translations of specific vineyard parcels, JC allows himself some room to blend the wines differently each year depending on what he has to work with. He doesn't use sulphur at any point in the winemaking. "Grapes, work and love... The only recipe for success..." - well said, Jeff.
