Grapes: Syrah
Region: Crozes Hermitage, France
Vintage: 2023
Viticulture: Organic
Yeasts: Native
Fining or Filtering: None
Notes from the Importer: Les Champs Libres is a small négociant run by René-Jean Dard. It used to be be more wine-centric, but over the years has branched out to include canned seafoods, local charcuterie, beer, sake and even sherry.
The grapes are sourced from organically tended vineyards, and vinified without manipulation or intervention. Hervé Souhaut is a frequent collaborator and often takes care of the vines and vinifications while René-Jean is responsable for selling the final product. Past releases have included a methode traditionelle and still Saint-Peray as well as a Crozes-Hermitage we still get occasional requests for.
At this point, the only wines being produced are two Vin de France called "Lard des Choix". Get ready for a pun label explanation of the century: L'art des choix means "the art of choice". "Lard" means pig, so the implication is that these wines go well with pork. Also, when said quickly, "Lard des Choix" sounds like L'Ardèchois, where the wine is from. This shows without a doubt that the French are masters of puns.
