2021 Les Equilibristes Babil

Region: Languedoc < France

Grapes: Pineau d’Aunis

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: biodynamic farming; 60+ year old vines on xx soil, whole cluster, short maceration, partial carbonic fermentation in old oak barrels; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal So2; 11.5% ABV

Winemaker: François de Monval + Florent Girou in collaboration w/ Benoit Brazilier

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, from different regions of France, the goal of each wine to convey the unique terrior and local varietals of its place. We had the pleasure of meeting François at Raw LA the last time we could all gather, and were charmed by his unique and whimsical wines.

This fun chillable red ‘Babil’ is a one-off collab project with Benoit Brazilier, their Loire Valley bud who farms the old-vine Pineau d'Aunis on his biodynamic family estate (that he runs in tandem with his mama Jean!)  Super light and juicy, and glowing a translucent ruby in the glass, this tastes like sunshine and peppered strawberries.  It is the perfect spring red, with all the fun glou glou vibes plus an unexpected spice and way more complexity than most.  STAFF FAVE

SERVE SLIGHTLY CHILLED