Le Temps des Cerises, Avanti Popolo 2023

East German-born Axel Prüfer established himself as a visionary winemaker in 2003 with the formation of Domaine Les Temps de Cerises, named after a revolutionary Parisian composition. Much like his wines, his Languedoc vineyards are full of life, encouraged by his use of herbal tinctures as pesticides and human hair to keep wild boars at bay. Avanti Popolo 23 is an expression of several native varietals, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante, both macerated and direct-press. Grapes are hand-harvested from granitic-quartz and limestone soils and aged in stainless steel tanks. Élevage lasts around 6 months before bottling. Unfined, unfiltered, with no additional SO2. A powerful, overripe berry nose doesn't reduce the approachability of this wine which would feel at home in any French bistro. Soft, velvety tannins grip the mouth leaving earthy mushroom flavours reminiscent of the forest whence the grapes came. Le Temps des Cerises, Avanti Popolo 2023 would pair well with a rich game chilindron and roasted peppers.