Rising Stars / Next Gen
Wine Tasting
new-ish French producers
Tues Mar 18 | 5-7 drop in
$5 tasting fee, waived with feature bottle purchase
with Robert from Advintage
The wine world is exciting these days. The younger generation is renewing terroir-driven passion, carrying the old-school torch of natural vineyard practices, and showcasing under-the-radar value regions or varietals. What better country to explore these rising stars than France?
Domaine Le Facteur, Vouvray Extra Brut | Chenin Blanc | Loire
Fabien Brutout, after an apprenticeship stint in Vouvray, and collaborating with Mathieu Cosme (a protégé of Huet and another rising Vouvray star), Fabien wanted drink-with-friends wines that were refreshing, glou-glou style. Fabien, with his farmer brother, planted 4 hectares in an abandoned vineyard where biodiversity thrived. This Cremant is a classic expression of chenin - green apples, light white flowers, crisp, fine bubbles, easy-drinking. $26
Domaine Pertuizet, Beaujolais Lantignié | Gamay | Beaujolais
Anaïs Pertuizet grew up in a farming family, so of course, she was meant to work outside with her hands. In 2021 (yes, she is brand-new!), her viticulture mentor offered her 2.5 hectares of Lantignié vineyards with blue stone terroir. Organic practicing and low intervention in the cellar, and with her assistant, Irokoi the draft horse, they are producing serious cru beaujolais. Soft rose petals, light, raspberries and minerals, an absolute delight. $20
Sylvain Pataille, Bourgogne Aligoté | Aligoté | Burgundy
Sylvain is a mega superstar. Not only is he a leader in the organic/biodynamic movement in Burgundy, he is also a consulting oenologist for many well-known Burgundy producers. While he grew up around wine, his family didn't own any vines. In 1999, Sylvain was able to acquire 1 hectare of vines in Marsannay, the northernmost appellation in the Cote d'Or (and oft-overlooked thirty years ago). Now with 15 hectares, Sylvain is a tireless advocate of Aligoté, and if you have been in our shop these past few years, you will notice our growing Aligoté selection. We believe it is the next great white Burgundy in the changing climate conditions. Balanced, creamy and citrus flavors, elegant length, age-worthy, but immensely pleasurable to drink now. $35
Domaine les Carmels, Caprices | Merlot | Cadillac, Bordeaux
The young couple, Yorick and Sophie Lavaud, both grew up in Bordeaux but did not inherit or grow up in winemaking families. Yorick worked for Rothschild and knew Entre-deux-Mers terroir intimately. In 2009, the couple were able to purchase 17 hectares of land, about one-third planted, thanks to bank financing and a European grant targeted for young entrepreneurs. Their approach? Organic/biodynamic viticulture and biodiversity, with a mix of vineyards, pastures, and woods. Cadillac is a little-known appellation near Entre-deux Mers. A name connection to the Escalade, but more importantly, it is where you can find delicious, silky Bordeaux reds without breaking the bank. $27
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