1. Fruit du Hasard Côtes du Roussillon Rouge
Domaine du Possible is the brainchild of Loïc Roure. He is nestled in the tiny village of Lansac. In 2003, Loïc scrapped his initial plan of opening a wine bar and decided to start making his own wines instead. The estate now consists of 10.2 hectares spread over many parcels and communes, all falling under the Côtes du Roussillon AOC. He primarily grows Carignan and Grenache, but also has a bit of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris and Macabeu, all farmed organically! Fruit du Hasard roughly translates to "Fruit of Chance", an expression meant to celebrate the good things that come to us by complete chance! It’s a blend of Syrah and Carignan. Juicy and just right. This bottle is so easy drinking, the perfect expression of small batch, relevant natural wine. It’s what you should be drinking to ease yourself into the holiday season and survive it! Notes of red plum, brambly berries and forest floor balanced by minerality. Any funk will burn off with a few swirls in the glass. This wine is clean and delicious on the palate! Sánte!
2. Nasciri Azienda Agricola "Vinu I Casa"
Nasciri means “to be born” in Calabrian dialect. Nasciri is a charming little winery based in Calabria - they produce organic olive oil and wine. In their own words, they ‘believe in life’. This philosophy is seen throughout their processes and beliefs. They do everything themselves, and don’t use any preservatives or other substances that could affect the product. Nasciri Azienda Agricola is run by Domenico and Francesca in the Calabrian countryside, near Gerace. The two have 20 hectares total, with 7 under vine, where farming with organic agricultural methods was not only an internal decision, but a natural need dictated by the land they so love. Through the use of various permacultural and biodynamic principles, they adapt their farming style to climate conditions and soil variation. Always open to experimentation, they never miss an opportunity to try new techniques that can improve the health of the vines, and positively impact the environment around them. With help in the cellar from oenologist Claudia Galterio, they do not filter, fine, or add any substances to the wine. Vinu Casa is a super special field blend of red varieties like Calabrese Nero and a variety of other indigenous varieties! Bright red cherries, cranberries, electric acidity and tickles the palate. Serve this wine chilled and pair with roasted turkey, a grilled chicken sandwich, poached salmon or risotto.
3. Karim Vionnet A Nous Red
Born in Lyon to Arabic parents, Karim was adopted by a family in Morgon. His first career was a baker but eventually fell into wine, as one does in this region, and got the natural wine bug by working as a vineyard-hand and winemaker for some of the OG natty wine dudes like Guy Breton and Marcel Lapierre. Technically a negociant (like many of our producers who don't own any vineyards) Karim is responsible for the organic farming and vinification of 5 hectares of plots around Beaujolais, mostly old-ish vines (40- to 60-year-old). He makes a bunch of different Gamay cuvees, all with carbonic maceration, that are insanely good (and sought after). A Nous Red is made in collaboration with Domaine Viret with Syrah and Gamay. Bold, juicy and savory, with hints of wood and leather. Perfect for cold winter nights! Serve room temp or slightly cooler and pair with roasted turkey or Christmas ham.
4. Domaine Fond Cyprès Grenache de Bois Saint Jaume
‘Tis the season to be festive! This is the perfect bottle of delicious red wine to bring to a gathering or enjoy by the fire pit. Generously boasting with brambly red berries, forest floor, blood orange, grilled plum and a hint of leather. You may already know how much we love Domaine Fond Cyprès. You should love them too. They are a hip French winery owned and operated by an adorable couple Laetitia Ourliac and Rodolphe Gianesini, who bought a neglected plot of vines surrounded by woods and olive trees in Escales, a small viticultural area in southern France. In 2004, they converted their vineyards entirely to organic farming and have never looked back. Today they are certified organic. This Grenache is made from 60 year old Grenache vines! That’s quite old in the vine world, meaning it grows with maximum character and depth. Serve room temperature or slightly cooler and pair with BBQ like smoked brisket, ribs, or charbroiled chicken. Grenache loves anything smokey, grilled or charred. Sánte!