Balazu des Vaussieres, Cuvee Cerisier De Japon, Vin de France, 2018

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.’
Their vines average 60 years old, with their youngest at 26 years old and their oldest, a parcel in Tavel which Christian inherited from his grandfather, at 95 years old.
Fermentation is with 100% whole bunches in steel tanks for a 3 week maceration. It is then pressed and returned to tank where it stays for 2 years prior to bottling. Unfined, unfiltered, no added sulphites.

Producer - Balazu Des Vaussieres
Country - France
Region - Southern Rhône
Appellation - Tavel
Variety / Blend - Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre
Farming - Biodynamic
Vegan
Sulphate Free