2011 Mas des Agrunelles ‘L’Indigene’

Region: Languedoc < France
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic, zero intervention farming, Jurassic Comblanchien Limestone and clay soil, no added SO2, native yeast, unfined/unfiltered
Winemaker: Frédéric Porro

In this business you are often touched by stories of winemakers and their passion, or their commitment to a noble goal, but rarely do you come across ones that tug at your heartstrings deeply. Like this one, the story of Frédéric Porro and his wife, Stéphanie Ponson, and their 100% input-free, biodynamic Languedoc estate. Their vineyards are miles away from everything on an uninhabited, windswept plateau deep in the forest, more than five miles from nearby vineyards. Frédéric explained that after much research in geology and climatology, they chose these vineyard sites because they were far enough away from nearby agriculture that they would be free from any potential cross-contamination, and in a dry, windy area where mold wasn’t an issue. This way they could work completely naturally, without adding a thing. Frédéric also happens to be a paraplegic who works his vineyards by hand, in his custom 4-wheel drive wheelchair. This is a restrained blend of mostly Grenache, all co-fermented, with bright acidity, beautifully concentrated fruit (blackberries!) that showcases the quality of the grapes without overripe sweetness, and a bit of black pepper and crushed wild herbs to finish. Incredible story, incredible wine.