Bad lighting, Call you later, Anders Frederik Steen & Anne Bruun Blauert

ORGANIC / NATURAL / VEGAN / LOW SULPHITE

A one-of-a-kind take on Merlot grapes, which are sourced from Ander's and Anna's pals at Domaine du Mazel. They press some of the grapes directly to create a juice for fermentation, but then also add in some whole grapes which they painstakingly de-stem by hand, in order to contribute subtle tannins and more concentration of flavour to the must. The resultant wine ages in both steel vats and in oak barrels, in order to further soften the edges. The product is a wine remarkably similar to a Jura poulsard: a pale red colour with aromas of bright red fruit such as raspberry and cranberry, low tannins, high acid and a perfumed flavour profile, somewhat Pinot noir-like, yet more airy, taut and ethereal. 

Anders Frederik Steen & Anne Bruun Blauert, the creative minds behind these super-minimal-intervention wines in the Ardèche region of southeast France, bring a touch of magic to winemaking. Anders, once a chef-turned-sommelier with notable stints at Copenhagen powerhouses Noma, Relæ and Manfreds, transitioned to winemaking in 2013. Focused on a pure and natural expression of the grapes, Anders takes an organic and biodynamic approach, refusing to be confined by tradition. His wines express unique characters, a result of non-interventionism, extended maceration, and unconventional techniques, including his refusal to interfere in any way in the vinification process. This risky and courageous approach gives the couple the freedom and courage to craft exceptional wines, emphasising quality over quantity. Each cuvée, showcased with minimalist labels, is a poetic manifestation of the grapes, the terroir, and the couple themselves. 

Origin: Ardèche, Rhone, France
Vintage: 2021
Grape variety: Merlot
Food pairing: Most foods, especially duck, chicken, pork, and cheese
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 14.5%