Balazu des Vaussieres, Hysope, Vin de France, 2017

Uber natural and super beautiful. This wine is a relatively young cuvee from Nadia and Christian Charmasson who farm 5.5 hectares across different terroirs. Most of their reds come from 3 ha in Tavel on a mix of soils including slate, clay, sand, and calcareous soils with ‘galets.’ The rest are in the Roquemaure commune (Lirac) and feature more sandy soils (decomposed silice). Here they also have a few red grapes but this is where the majority of their white grapes come from. No copper is used in the vineyards whatsoever, and sulphur only when absolutely necessary (not every year). The treatments consist mainly of essential oils and herbal infusions. They recently left Demeter as they do not feel they are strict enough, opting instead for a certification from ‘Nature et Progrès.’

This wine is deceptively pale in colour but rich in flavour, full of dark fruits and garrigue herbs. A wine to take time ove, to let the flavours develop, served with some food rich in olive oil, herbs and vegetables. 

Producer - Balazu Des Vaussieres
Country - France
Region - Southern Rhône
Appellation - Tavel
Variety / Blend - Grenache, Mouvedre, Carignan and Cinsault
Wine Style - Red Wine
Farming - Biodynamic
Vegan
Sulphate Free