Petillant Naturel, Grolleau, "100%"

60% Grolleau, 20% Gamay, 20% Cabernet Franc

From .6 hectares of 55 year old vines planted in flint-clay soils with vegetation between them. Hand-harvested in September and directly pressed. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts lasting three weeks without temperature control. Allowed to rest in tank for approximately two months and unfiltered. Upon disgorging the wine is given minuscule amounts of SO2 (10mg/L).

Born and raised in Vouvray, Sébastien knows the land as well as anyone, and since taking over his family domaine in 2006, he has elevated the estate’s reputation and become associated with a new generation of Vouvray vignerons who are producing wine in a drier style, and with more natural methods. For four generations, Sébastien’s ancestors have been working this land yet the fruit was sold to the local cooperative. It was not until 1974, when Sébastien’s father, Michel, inherited the property that Domaine de la Roche Fleurie was born. At first, Michel had just three hectares (7.4 acres) but expanded the holdings over time. Today, the domaine has 15 hectares (37 acres). Sébastien joined his father in 2000 after he graduated from a viticulture program in Amboise. When Michel unexpectedly passed away in 2006, Sébastien took over. He is a quiet person and introverted, however in contrast, he crafts incredibly expressive wines that reveal much about him and his winemaking philosophy.