NV Karim Vionnet ‘Grabuge!’ Gamay Demi-Sec

Region: Villié-Morgon < Beaujolais < France

Grape: Gamay

Vineyard/Cellar Stats:  Organic farming, dry-farmed, hand-harvested,  granite soils, direct press, stainless steel; bottled unfined/unfiltered with zero added SO2; 9% ABV

Winemaker: Karim Vionnet

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), and even our Karim Vionnet Rosé. Grabuge is like dessert. It’s an off-dry demi-sec that tastes like summer, fall, and winter. You can find us popping this on the beach or in front of the fire when there’s no room for dessert. Low-alcohol (NINE PERCENT!!!), and bursting with flavor, sweetness, and bubbles, this honeysuckle delight can be finished in one sitting (with friends...if you wish).  Perhaps as a digestif, with its Grabuge’s wacky label and complex tastes, it’s a beautiful and fun holiday addition.