1. Le Ferme de Jeanne "L’Ephémère" Mondeuse (shown below!)
- Producer: Le Ferme de Jeanne
- Region: Bugey,, France
- Varieties: Mondeuse
- Alcohol: 12.5%
Meet “La Ferme de Jeanne” from the charming Bugey region! Bugey is nestled between the rugged Massif Gran Colombier and the flowing Rhône River. This small, organic domaine is a gem, covering 9 hectares of rolling vineyards where Nadège Allouch works her magic.
Founded back in 1981 by the Balsollier family, La Ferme de Jeanne started as a local farm with vines alongside cereals and fruits. It wasn't until Yves and Jacqueline Balsollier took the reins in 1995 that wine production became a serious affair, celebrated for its delicious, down-to-earth wines that locals couldn't get enough of.
Fast forward to today, Regis and Lynn Bernard have taken the helm, driven by a passion for biodynamic farming and a love for the land. With winemaker Nadège at the forefront, they've embraced organic practices wholeheartedly, aiming for biodynamic certification. In the cellar, Nadège works her magic with minimal intervention, allowing the wines to express their true terroir with a maximum of 30mg/l of SO2 added when needed — keeping it pure and natural.
Take their Mondeuse, for example — sourced from younger vines around Flaxieu, it undergoes a gentle two-week maceration in fiberglass tanks followed by six months of aging. The result? A lively, fresh wine bursting with notes of dark cherries, subtle spices, and a touch of earthiness that sings of the Bugey terroir.
These wines are not just about taste; they're a testament to a deep respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable farming. Pour yourself a glass of La Ferme de Jeanne and savor the essence of Bugey — a region often overlooked but brimming with character and authenticity. Cheers! XOXO
2. Pépin Rouge (shown below!)
- Producer: Pépin
- Region: Alsace, France
- Varieties: Syrah, Merlot
- Alcohol: 12.5%
Yves Dietrich and his sons, Pierre and Jean, run a vibrant and unique winery. Yves manages the vineyard, Jean oversees the cellar, and Pierre handles the commercial side. In 1991, Yves took over the family farm, transitioning to organic practices in 1999 and then to biodynamic methods in 2003. In 2017, they established a bioclimatic wine cellar within Europe's largest thatched building, shared with Domaine Jean Paul Schmitt. Their 18-hectare estate produces precise, direct, engaging, and clear wines.
One of their standout offerings is Pépin Rouge, a fresh and lively red blend from the Roussillon region of France. This wine features aromas and flavors of red stone fruit, aromatic herbs, and cinnamon. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, and the components are blended after malolactic fermentation. No sulfur is added during vinification. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks for 6-8 months and bottled without fining or filtration.
3. So Far Out “All the Rage” (shown below!)
- Producer: So Far Out
- Region: Santa Barbara, California
- Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Marselan
- Alcohol: 13.1%
Introducing 'All the Rage' from So Far Out Winery, a Bordeaux-inspired red wine that encapsulates the essence of Santa Barbara County's organic vineyards. Created through a collaboration led by Field Recordings, organic grape grower Mike Testa, and Los Angeles wine industry veteran Jamil Williams of Amy Atwood, this wine embodies accessibility, sustainability, and exceptional quality. Plus, sometimes we want a chillable red that tastes a little bigger!
So Far Out Winery is dedicated to crafting everyday organic wines that are both approachable and affordable without compromising on excellence. The vineyards, carefully selected by Mike Testa for their organic practices, yield fruit of outstanding quality, setting the foundation for wines that resonate with the terroir of Santa Barbara County.
'All the Rage' entices with vibrant aromas of black cherry, red currant, and subtle hints of chocolate on the nose. The palate is treated to a silky texture with balanced acidity and smooth yet firm tannins, delivering bold, fruit-forward flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and a touch of vanilla that linger enticingly. Easy enough to just have on its own at a party, but with enough heft to have with your steak frites.
Pour yourself a glass of 'All the Rage' and discover the culmination of sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking expertise. Whether enjoyed with hearty dishes or savored on its own, this wine invites you to indulge in the flavors of Santa Barbara County's rich winegrowing heritage. ‘All the Rage’ embodies dedication and tradition… but a little more fun. Hooray!
4. Julie Karsten Côtes du Rhône "Métaphysique des Cuves" (shown below!)
- Producer: Julie Karsten
- Region: Castillon-du-Gard, Rhône, France
- Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
- Alcohol: 12%
We’ve stumbled upon something truly special – Julie Karsten’s Côtes du Rhône Métaphysique des Cuves from Terrestrial Wine in Castillon-du-Gard! Julie tends to 10 hectares of organic vines – Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre – near the Rhône's western edge, a place kissed by Mediterranean breezes and the wisdom of her father-in-law, who passed down the estate in 2008.
Julie's wines are crafted with pure heart and natural finesse. No formal training here – just a deep love for the land and its bounty. She lets the grapes do their thing, fermenting with indigenous yeasts in large vats, adding minimal sulphur only when absolutely necessary. It’s winemaking in tune with nature, resulting in a classic Côtes-du-Rhône that speaks of vineyard harmony and terroir integrity.
Her philosophy is simple and true: no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. It’s all about nurturing happy vines in living soils, creating wines that embody the essence of their surroundings.
At our shop, we can’t get enough of Julie’s wines. They’re like a warm embrace from the Rhône Valley, offering vibrant flavors and a touch of rustic charm. Pour a glass of Julie's Côtes du Rhône and you’ll discover a bouquet of black cherry, red currant, and a hint of chocolate that makes each sip a delight.
Pair it with your favorite cozy meals – from hearty stews to grilled veggies – or simply enjoy it on its own. Julie’s wine is a testament to craftsmanship and respect for the earth, making every bottle a joyful celebration of natural winemaking. Sánte!