Natty: February 2025
OVERNOY-CRINQUAND
Chardonnay
Jura
This domaine, situated in the center of the village of Pupillin, in the heart of the Arbois appellation, is three generations old. Mikael Crinquand tends the viticultural side of this multi-faceted family operation. The Overnoy-Crinquand families have always managed their holdings within Pupillin in a poly-cultural, organic fashion, tending seventy cows to produce milk for the famous Comté cheese of the region, harvesting grains and cereals and producing wine from the 5.5 hectares dedicated to vineyards.
I freaking love Jura chardonnay. It can be either oxidative and nutty, or crisp and refreshing. Here we have something in the middle, a clone of White Burgundy yet with a Jura soul.
Pairing: Morels and Comte Cheese On Grilled Toast
Fun fact: Jura is much like Montana: there are more cows than humans!
Bechtold
Pinot Gris
Orange Wine from Alsace
Jean-Marie Bechtold is the fourth generation to steward this traditional domaine. He began working with his father in 1980 and took the reins in 1995. The estate is located in Dahlenheim, west of Strasbourg in the slopes of the “Couronne d’Or”, a region with 2000 years of viticultural history.
Jean-Marie believes vinification and elevage must be approached as a parent raises a child: with patience, spirited attention and understanding of particular needs. He minimizes intervention during the vinification to allow the wines to express their own character and to remain faithful to the vintage.
Here we have a new wine from the estate, Pinot Gris on the skins for almost a month, creating a hearty orange wine begging for food.
Pairing: Tacoma Pie’s Vito Pizza
Fun fact: Alsace was purchased by by Louis XV for 1.2 million Thalers, only $26 million in today’s currency.
Le Puy
Duc de Nauves
Natty Magical Bordeaux
In continuous operation by the Amoreau family since 1610,Le Puy is the it natural winery in Bordeaux. The estate is situated on the same plateau as Saint Emilion and the vineyards are planted to a number of red varieties, including Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Cabernet Franc (7%) along with a touch of Malbec and Carmenère.
Harvest is manual, only indigenous yeast is utilized, no chapitalisation is done nor is SO2 used during the fermentation. The “elevage” of the Le Puy wines is done according to the lunar rhythm. The wines are neither fined nor filtered before bottling. Jean-Pierre Amoreau and his son, Pascal, oversee the vineyards and vinification.
Pairing: Braised Lamb With Red Wine and Prunes
Fun fact: The Drops of God TV series considers Le Puy the pinnacle of wine.