Domaine la Bohème, Lulu 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. Lulu 2022 is 100% Gamay d'Auvergne from 80 year old vines grown on basaltic soils. Grapes undergo semi-carbonic maceration in amphora in whole clusters before ageing in old oak barrels. A fruit-forward nose with a hint of green pepper. This is very approachable with nice crunchy tannins and notes of sour raspberry. This would benefit from caraffing. Lulu 2022 would pair well with Krautspätzle and speck.