Natty: December 2024
Guy Breton
Cote de Brouilly
Gamay from Beaujolais
Guy Breton is known by his friends as P’tit Max—though he is anything but petit, by the way.An Original Member of the Gang of Four, Guy was incremental in the call for a return to the old practices of viticulture and vinification: starting with old vines, never using synthetic herbicides or pesticides, harvesting late,adding minimal doses of sulfur dioxide or none at all, and refusing both chaptalization and filtration. The end result allows the wine to express itself naturally, without make-up or plastic surgery: rustic, spicy, loaded with schist minerals and at the same time, refreshing and deep-down delicious.
Pairing: Chicken Tikka Thighs
Fun fact: Guy Breton was known as a great wrestler earlier in life.
Maxime Crotet
Chardonnay
From the Jura
A native of Beaune, Maxime Crotet is only two vintages into his solo venture and is already causing quite a stir. He worked his way up from cellar rat to winemaker during his eight years working with Frederic Cossard, a pioneer in the Natural Wine world. Crotet’s wines show amazing spark and vibrancy rarely encountered these days. Here we have Chardonnay from the Jura. I bought every bottle that came into the state, because dang, this is insane juice. Flint and gun smoke on the nose followed by great fruit, zippiness, and tension. This is Ganevat at half the price.
Pairing: Tartiflette
Fun fact: Jura wines are Trevor’s favorites.
CATHERINE & PIERRE BRETON
“Elle est pas bulle, la vie?"
Pet Nat of Chenin from the Loire
Catherine and Pierre Breton are the real life bon vivants vignerons of lore. They are passionate about what they do, they enjoy sharing it with others, and they entertain with a generosity and charm.The Bretons first introduced biodynamic practices into their viticulture in 1994. They have become international icons for the natural wine movement in an area where the climate and soil can make organic viticulture difficult. Here we have maybe their most playful wine, a Chenin Blanc Pet Nat. Pear! Beeswax! low AVB! Maybe the perfect wine to drink to yourself after a family outing, no judgement.
Pairing: Ginger-Garlic Shrimp
Fun fact: This wine’s name means, “Is life not a bubble?”