2018 Les Equilibristes ‘Bouillon Aux Dames’ Anjou Blanc

Region: Anjou < Loire Valley <France

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: biodynamic farming; soils are clay and gravel, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, malolactic fermentation, aged in old oak barrels; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 13% ABV

Winemaker: François de Monval and Florent Girou

Les Equilibristes (the “Tightrope Walkers”) are François de Monval and Florent Girou.  François is a wine merchant and restaurant owner in Paris, and Floret is a wine-maker from the Perigord region.  Together, the two are constantly thinking about preserving the old-ways of winemaking, while questioning old practices that no longer make sense.   Les Equilibristes have a simple set of rules they follow in winemaking: use indigenous grape varieties, organic winemaking practices, indigenous yeasts, and minimal sulphur.  They make wines from purchased grapes, always organic, throughout France. We had the pleasure of meeting François at Raw LA this year, and were charmed by his unique and whimsical wines.

This is classic Chenin: wooly, textural and creamy from malo, lees contact and old oak barrels, with vibrant acidity and bright lemony/golden apple hits. And it’s super delicious.  We’ll be drinking this all spring long, with all the green things popping up and on our plates. An amazing food wine!