Domaine la Bohème, Môl 2021

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. Môl 2021 sees the combination of southern France red grapes like Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Carignan with aromatic Muscat and Beaujolais Gamay. The addition of Muscat into a mix of predominantly fuller-bodied red varietals lifts Môl 2021 up to being more similar to an orange wine. Each grape is vinified separately before ageing together in stainless steel tanks. The Muscat shines through with a tropical profile and a nose of kirsch cherry and sour raspberry. Very light and low tannin with juicy iced tea flavours. Môl 2021 would pair well with a cheeseboard or a South-Indian-style dry curry.