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. Les Vins Pirouettes Brutal Claude Blanc (shown below!)
- Producer: Les Vins Pirouettes
- Region: Alsace, France
- Varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner
- Alcohol: 12%
Step into the lively world of Les Vins Pirouettes and savor the magic of Brutal Claude Blanc! This wine is a vibrant expression of Alsace's diverse terroir, crafted by a collective of organic and biodynamic growers led by the visionary Christian Binner.
Brutal Claude Blanc dances with flavors from Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner grapes, nurtured on sun-kissed granite slopes. Each grape is handpicked and sorted with care, ensuring only the finest fruit goes into the wine. Fermented naturally and aged on lees in fiberglass tanks, it embodies purity and authenticity, bottled without fining, filtration, or added sulfur.
Les Vins Pirouettes celebrates the artistry of winemaking, where each bottle reflects the grower's dedication to their land and traditions. Guided by enologists Xavier Couturier and Pierre Sanchez, these wines bear playful name, capturing the essence of Alsace's rich soils and microclimates.
Christian Binner's passion for natural wines sparked this joyful movement, empowering growers to reclaim their identity in every sip. The name "Pirouettes" evokes not just the playful dance of flavors, but also the skill and mastery behind each cuvée.
Experience the flamboyant character of Brutal Claude Blanc—rich with exotic fruit and a hint of effervescence, it pairs perfectly with seafood, light poultry dishes, or a relaxing evening with friends. Serve chilled to enhance its lively aromas and toast to the spirit of Alsace's winemaking heritage!
3. Las Jaras "Big Beautiful Buff" Albariño (shown below!)
- Producer: Las Jaras
- Region: Lodi, California
- Variety: 100% Albariño
- Alcohol: 12.5%
The 2023 vintage Albariño from the Big Beautiful Buff series showcases sexy, crisp white wines. This Spanish variety is renowned for its fresh, saline, and mineral-rich profile. To preserve its vibrant character, the grapes were picked early and fermented and aged in various vessels, similar to their approach with Chenin Blanc. The result is a wine with true varietal character. In the glass, it gleams like opaque sunshine, offering aromas of apple blossom, Meyer lemon, and honeydew melon. The bone-dry palate delivers flavors of yellow nectarine, white cherry, and wet rock, culminating in a long, savory, and mouthwatering finish. We love this delicious Albariño!! Cheers!! xx
4. 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.