Domaine la Bohème, Festejar Blanc 2022

Patrick Bouju needs little introduction in the natural winemaking world. A pioneer in low-intervention vinification, he has been producing entirely sulphite-free wines for over 20 years in Auvergne, France. Today he and his partner Justine Loiseau cultivate several small plots, amounting to approximately 9 hectares, in the village of Glaine-Montaigut. Some of the vines here are up to 120 years old with complex volcanic terroirs. Every aspect of the winemaking process is done by the pair, from hand-picking the grapes to bottling and labelling. The Domaine la Bohème project not only features grapes grown by Patrick and Justine in Auvergne, but also négoce grapes sourced from fellow 0/0 growers across France. Festejar Blanc 2022 is an ancestral-method pet-nat made from Beaujolais Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner from Alsace and Chenin Blanc from Loire. Each grape variety is direct-pressed then co-fermented in vats before secondary fermentation in the bottle. Elegant nashi pear, whipped cream and apricot nose which flows beautifully into creamy bubbles and flavours of buttercream, peach yoghurt and yellow fruits. Festejar Blanc 2022 would pair well with sunshine on a terrace and salty snacks.