2022 Maison Crochet Native

Region: Lorraine < France

Grapes: Pinot Noir 33%, Gamay 33%, Chardonnay 33%

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic + biodynamic farming; from a single vineyard of old vines on clay and limestone soils; Pinot + Chard are de-stemmed, gamay goes in whole cluster; 14 day maceration then co-fermented in concrete and bottled under crown cap with no sulfites or additives; zero-zero; 13% ABV

Winemaker: Willifred Crochet

NEW VINTAGE!  This festive red/white co-ferment is back and even better than the first vintage, with more depth and complexity (but still amazing freshness and drinkabilty)!

In 2016, after spending time working in Champagne, Burgundy, Rhone, and abroad, Wilfried Crochet took over his family estate in Lorraine, between Champagne and Alsace. He immediately converted the vineyards to organic farming, and officially left the AOC of Cotes de Toul to be able to create wines outside the local regulations -- which in France means they make their own rules.  We love a good rebel story!  

Almost as much as we love this wine, which is textbook glou glou.  It was an experiment, Wilifried's first foray into the nattier side of the natural wine spectrum, making this red/white co-ferment bottled under crown cap with no additives and a bright, graphic label.  Our friend Kayne, his US importer, convinced him to give it a try, and the thirsty drinkers in Paris and New York have been slurping it up.  It's a Cru Beaujolais mashup, lightened and lifted by the white grapes and the slightest hint of spritz, with darker fruit and an appealing crunchy rock + roll minerality.

SERVE SLIGHTLY CHILLED