Balazu des Vaussières vines on galets roulés in Tavel, January.

Natural Summer: New Arrivals from Balazu des Vaussières plus Ducroux and Many More!

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We're very happy to feature new arrivals from Balazu des Vaussières in Tavel and other superb producers of natural winesThe word "soulful" comes to mind when describing the wines in todays' email - it comes from the character of the vignerons and their committment to the health of their soils and the natural purity of their wines. It comes from creativity and enormous effort, from intimate knowlege of the land and vines and from the experience and techniques required to make wines with zero additives. Needless to say the wines are vibrant and delicious, though sometimes unpredictable, in the fascinating style of real natural wines!

Nadia and Christian Charmasson at Balazu des Vaussières practice natural winemaking at it's very finest, beginning in the vineyard, where they work with organic and Biodynamic methods (primarily those of Maria Thun) and refuse to apply the permitted organic treatment of copper-sulfate as it is harmful to the life of the soil.. Vinifications here are without additives, essentially semi-carbonic, with the reds aging for about three years in vat. The new releases: 2019 Rouge "Flamboyant" - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan from old vines surrounding the house and on clay/galets soils in Roquemaure; 2022 Rosé "Sept Syllabes", direct press, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah, Cinsault from their parcels in Tavel. As Bert Celce points out it's "no surprise that with Pfifferling of L'Anglore they're considered the "Natural Giants of Tavel." (For more information and great photos, please click to see his excellent article on the estate in "Wine Terroirs")

Vines with fryit trees at Ducroux

Chambers Street is honored to work with Christian Ducroux, who produces some of the world's most vibrant and delicious natural wines from his five hectares of living soils in Thulon, above Regnié-Durette in the Beaujolais. The estate has been practising organic and Biodynamic farming, with minimal plowing, (i.e. regenerative agriculture) since 1985. Six bottle maximum on each wine please...

In the 2021 vintage Tessa Laroche at the Domaine Aux Moines released a few cases of her Roche Aux Moines bottled unfiltered with zero sulfur added. You'll find it at Chambers (the restaurant) and at Chambers Street Wines. Here is a note from our friend Pascaline Lepeltier: "For a few years, Tessa has been bottling one of her best barrels of La Roche aux Moines without any sulfur for her own sake, and see. Very happy with the results, and how the wines are evolving beautifully and harmoniously with time, she is offering a little bit. Her 21 are overall a great success, with the freshness and lift expected from the vintage, but also the density given by the superb work in the vineyard she is doing with her team. The no sulfur version offers everything, with an extra breath in the finish, more floral and saline, extremely compelling and open today, yet a cuvée that has a real potential of aging, for a decade at least and more!" We have 24 bottles. A wax cap differentiates it from the "regular" cuvee.

Isabelle and Franck of Le Jonc Blanc

Perched on a unique limestone hill in Bergerac, Franck Pascal and Isabelle Carles make some of the most vibrant, soulful and just plain delicious natural wines in France at Le Jonc Blanc! The farming here is organic and Biodynamic, bringing great freshness and minerality from the unusual limestone terroir. All the wines on offer today are zero SO2 and are drinking beautifully - for those that enjoy complex and creative white wines the Pure M Manseng and Pure S Semillon are must buys!

We've added some of our favorites zero-SO2 wines to the list, all of which will please lovers of natural winemaking. Most should be consumed on the day opened with the exception of the long-elevage cuvées such as the Balazu "Flamboyant," the Jonc Blanc "Pure" cuvées and the Laguerre "Oxy."

Wines are in stock at our store or warehouse, please allow until Wednesday 7/19 for pick-up/shipping. 10% case/mixed case discount applies. 6 btls max on Ducroux, please.

Balazu des Vaussières 2019 Vin de France Rouge "Flamboyant"

The new release of vin rouge from Balazu des Vaussières, the 2019 "Cuvée Flamboyant," is a field blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan. The wine spent about 3 years in vat with zero added SO2.  The estate is certified organic and Biodynamic and uses no copper sulfate (the "organic" treatment against mildew) in the vines, nor SO2 in vinification. Pure juice! The wine shows a dense red/black color with vivid aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, licorice, earth and smoke. The palate is dense and deep with black cherry liqueur, earth and mineral flavors with very firm acidity. The finish is long and intense with earth, stone and bitter black fruits, coffee. licorice and citrus. Decant if drinking now... After a few days corked in the fridge, the wine has gained in complexity with black fruits anise, licorice, fennel, mineral and sous-bois flavors in the long finish. On day 4 the wine has come together nicely, just delicious, really Supernatural! David Lillie

  • red
  • 6 in stock
  • $21.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Balazu des Vaussières 2022 Vin de France Rosé "sept syllabes"

Warning - Natural Wine! Delicious, complex, fascinating and a bit unusual...Although within the Tavel appellation, Nadia and Christian Charmasson have long rejected the rules of the AOC in favor a "Vin de France" classification. Balazu des Vaussières is a completely natural estate, using zero additives in winemaking and zero chemcials, and no copper sulfate in the vines - thus living soils that produce vibrant living wines. The 2022 “Sept Syllabes” was made with Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault - it’s a direct press rosé with a short maceration and no added SO2. The wine spent approximately 7 months in vat before bottling. The wine shows a deep pink/garnet color with very ripe cherry and red currant aromas, floral and quite pretty. The palate is ripe and round with dense, sapid cherry and raspberry fruit., supple and long. Slightly squeaky in the finish, but overall this is a  unique and delicious rosé for lovers of natural wine!

  • rosé
  • 7 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Cellar Frisach 2021 Terra Alta Vernatxa (Garnatxa Blanca NO SO2)

Garnaxta Blanca (Grenache Blanc) with 1 week of skin contact, but by no means in pursuit of an "orange wine". As the winemakers explained to me at a tasting in early 2023, the area where their winery is was historically quite poor. Winemakers had no pumps, no modern stuff, so often wines were made with some skin contact - what the locals call 'brisat' - traditionally a mix of red and white grapes but in this case, just Garnatxa Blanca. An exciting and delicious Spanish white showing nice texture and plenty of minerality from the limestone soils.

  • white
  • 1 in stock
  • $31.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Celler Escoda Sanahuja 2021 Conca de Barbera Els Bassotets Macabeu, Sumoll Blanc

Winemaker Joan Ramon Escoda makes this fabulous. multi-dimensional orange wine, which is a blend of mostly Maccabeu and Parellada, with Sumoll Blanc, Garnacha Blanca, and Chenin Blanc, fermented with native yeasts, 2 weeks on the skins, and bottled with no added sulfites. Super fresh, fleshy and just a bit funky, perhaps the timer is currently set at 2 hours for our recommended time frame after opening. Our guess is a few more months in bottle should lengthen that, but if you like edgy wines that taste wild and alive and maybe a touch sour, then put a chill on one right now!

  • white
  • 10 in stock
  • $29.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Vignes du Maynes 2021 Vin de France Megamix

The 2021 "Megamix Volume 2" is a unique blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay and Muscat, grown in granite and limestone soils and aged one year in neutral barrels. It's light bodied with a vibrant ruby hue and really jumps out of the glass, with the Muscat contributing some interesting herbal and slightly floral aromatics mingling with punchy cherry and pomegranate fruit. It's lively and fresh with racy acidity and just a kiss of tannins, great with a chill and a perfect accompaniment to light snacks. This is a delicious summer red with some nerve - think less "chill lo-fi beats" and more "acid house electro-funk!" JD

  • red
  • 9 in stock
  • $29.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2020 Vin de France Les Rossignoux 2

The Rossignoux2 is the second release of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2020 vintage. This one was aged a bit longer than the Roussignoux"1" but is still similarly fresh, with subtle tropical fruit on the nose, and delicate acidity. The extra time on the lees in Christophe's hobbit cave has given more density to the wine, and calmed down the sharp, grassy notes of the Sauvignon Blanc. Instead, there is more of a stone fruit profile and less pronounced citrusy aromatics.

  • white
  • 12 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2019 Vin de France Les Rossignoux 3

The 2019 Roussignoux 3 is the third release of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2019 vintage. After aging in barrel for over a year, Christophe moved this wine into fiberglass tank, where it rested for an additional 2 years. Some flor clearly developed at a certain point during the aging, giving the wine a fascinating oxidative profile. This wine is mind-bogglingly bizarre, a trip to drink, and generally very hard to compare to anything else in the wine world. There is a dense mineral core, notes of butterscotch and orchard fruits, herbs, and stones. Totally dry, with plenty of acid to help it wear the 14.5% alc. without any sense of heat or power. We do think it's qualitatively delicious, beguiling, and a wine that keeps bringing us back for another sip.

  • white
  • 10 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Gravillas 2022 Vin de France Jour de Teuf Pet Nat

The Clos du Gravillas "Jour de Teuf" is a vibrant Pet-Nat mad from Muscat Petits Grains grown in the rocky limestone vineyards of the Haut Minervois. The grapes are picked a bit unripe, then bottled after an initial fermentation with about 17 grams/liter of residual sugar, which then ferments and finishes dry with beautiful sparkle. This is a joyous and lively pet-nat, a hazy straw in the glass with just a touch of sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. There's some apple fruit and a hint of earth but endless refreshment. Upon tasting we were all in agreement that this would be a perfect aperitif, or an ideal "breakfast wine" for all you bibulous brunch lovers.

  • white sparkling
  • 11 in stock
  • no discount
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Jonc Blanc 2020 Vin de France Fruit

The delicious 2020 Jonc Blanc "Fruit" is a blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec from a parcel on limestone of Castillon in biodynamic farming with legumes, cereals and pollinators between the vnes. There is a cool pre-fermentation maceration, then fermentation with wild yeasts for 30 days, followed by 18 months in cuve and old foudre, bottled unfined, unfiltered with zero added SO2. Pure Juice!. Red/black color with bright rim.  The wine shows lovely deep aromas of earth and violet with black raspberry, red currant, cassis, plum, licorice and spice.  One really senses the terroir. The palate is full and supple with bright acidity, earth and mineral flavors under the vibrant, dark fruit. This is simply delicious, especially for those who love natural wines. (As with most zero sulfur wines, it's best consumed on the day opened) To call it a wine of terroir is a huge understatement!  Serve cool and enjoy over the next three years with charcuterie, burgers, grilled chicken and pork. David Lillie

  • red
  • 9 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Jonc Blanc 2019 Vin de France Pure M Malbec

The 2019 Pure M is a beautiful natural wine with zero added SO2, 100% Malbec from a small parcel in biodynamic farming on "Calcaires a Asteries" typical of the plateau of Saint-Emilion. Two year élevage in 1200 liter Taransaud foudre without fining, filtration or SO2, 1600 bottles produced.  The wine shows complex, pure, lush aromas of cassis, blackberry and prune with hints of tobacco, spice and earth. The palate is silky and bright with ripe cassis, blackberry and blueberry fruit backed by refreshing acidity. Mineral and ripe berry fruit flavors linger in the long finish.  Serve this cool with any grilled meats, and it's balanced enough for veggies and lighter meat dishes as well. Just delicious and highly recommended! David Lillie

  • red
  • 12 in stock
  • $29.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Jonc Blanc 2020 Vin de France Pure S Semillon

For lovers of natural, skin contact wines - “PURE S” : 100% Semillon. Boulbènes terroir on a limestone base: a mixture of limestone sands and silts with a little clay. Aging in 18hl Stockinger casks for 2 years, zero additives. Production : 2400 bottles. Tasting: the boulbènes on limestone of the plateau of Vélines are illustrated by very marked salty notes and give the wine a great minerality. A white wine that transcends the natural power of Semillon and expresses itself with fantastic length. To decant imperatively!" Yes, the wine is a bit orange, showing a deep bronze/gold color. Floral, herbal, roasted citrus, exotic fruit and apricot notes. The palate shows skin tannin, ripe melon, apricot, almond and citrus peel  with intense mineral flavors and firm acidity - just a fabulous natural wine in the 2020 vintage! Zero sulfur added. David Lillie

  • white
  • 12 in stock
  • $34.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Laguerre 2014 IGP Côtes Catalanes Oxy (5 years sous voile)

Eric has once again made a small quantity of "Oxy" - his extraordinary Grenache Blanc that spends five years sous-voile. The current vintage is 2014 (we think) - for any lover of Vin Jaune, or anyone making chicken with vin jaune and morels, this is a must buy! The wine shows lovely herbal, stone, citrus peel and strong oxidative aromas. The oxidation is less apparent on the palate which is extremely elegant and of course shows an intense minerality, with flavors of lemon zest, stone and dried pear, finishing with terrific length. Superb and unique wine! (No added SO2)  David Lillie

  • white
  • 4 in stock
  • $29.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Traginer 2021 Collioure Rouge CaracTerre

The new Traginer CaracTerre is made from 25% each of Grenache Noir, Carignan, Mourvedre and Syrah which undergoes a one month fermentation in tronconic foudres, with no added SO2, followed by 10 months in cuve inox. The CaracTerre is a bit lighter in body than the "Vielli Foudre" cuvée, but with beautiful vibrant blackberry/black raspberry fruit. This is a lovely Collioure to serve a bit cool with grilled meats this summer.

  • red
  • 7 in stock
  • $26.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Turenne 2021 Vin de France Histoire D'Haut Rosé

 This new wine from Philippe Benezet at Domaine Turenne is a bit of Provençal history, made with all the estate's red grapes, with no SO2 added.  "Really nice" says Eben from last winter's tasting "he enivions to be what rosé used to be like in Provence 100+ years ago. Before sulfur, before the obsession with paleness." Darker rose color, cherry and little red fruits, very fresh, a bit oxidative, fascinating and delicious.

  • rosé
  • 10 in stock
  • $15.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur
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Ducroux, Christian 2021 Vin de France Exspectatia

The 2021 Exspectatia was bottled in August 2022 after a longer than usual elevage. Tasted at the estate in early February, the wine showed earthy raspberry and floral aromas and a light, supple palate with ripe raspberry, cherry and earth flavors at 11.5% alcohol, with citrus and minerals in the long clean finish. Lovely, drink without moderation...

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $20.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Ducroux 2022 Vin de France Prologue

The 2022 "Prologue" shows a lovely red/black color and very pretty raspberry, plum and peppery aromas. The palate is light but quite ripe, lush, earthy  and delicious at 11.5% alcohol. A bit more structured than usual, some free-run juice with juice from the first press.  Sensational, with a little supernatural funk of course, serve it cool and be happy...!

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Ducroux 2022 Vin de France Esquisse Rosé

Christian Ducroux's unique "Esquisse" Rosé is a totally natural wine, made without sulfur-dioxide or other additives or adjustments, 100% Gamay from a high-altitude parcel above Thulon, and often containing the secondary grapes ("grisemottes") harvested in late October. Low alcohol (11.5%) and ultra-refreshing. The 2022 was bottled at the end of January. Delightful bright raspberry, floral aromas, round pretty fruit on the palate, but a little funky now, give this some time to recover.

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Meinklang 2020 Burgenland Graupert Pinot Gris (Skin Cont

Region: Neusiedlersee
Grape: Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris)
Soil: sandy loam, rocky topsoil
Farming: biodynamic
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: 2 week fermentation in stainless steel on skins
Aging: in concrete and stainless steel
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: none

  • Out of Stock
  • white
  • 0 in stock
  • $19.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Vignes du Maynes 2019 Morgon Les Charmes

Starting with beautiful biodynamic grapes from Roland Pignard on "les Charmes" in Morgon, Julien worked his magic in the cellar with his zero-sulfur semi-carbonic vinification and the result is this superb Morgon from great terroir. The wine shows the ripeness of this excellent vintage in Beaujolais and the intense flavors of terroir always present in the Pignard wines over the years. Julien's vinification has created a beautifully balanced and pretty wine with fabulous length - drink now or cellar 5 to 10 years.

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $31.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Vignes du Maynes (Julien Guillot) 2020 Bourgogne Les Crays

Julien Guillot's 2020 "les Crays" is 100% Pinot Noir from 40 year-old vines in this very chalky vineyard in the Macon, vinified with zero added sulfur. The color is an earthy red/black, with aromas of black cherry, red currant, earth, citrus peel and ginger, really complex and lovely. The palate is ripe and sapid, but earthy and bright as well, with lovely complexity of red and black fruits, soil and minerals. Pinot Noir with no sulfur, subtle, complex and delicious! Enjoy now, a bit cool, or cellar 5 to 10 years.

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $34.99

  • Organic
  • No Sulfur

Lunotte 2021 Vin de France Printemps Rosé

Christophe Foucher's La Lunotte  2021 "Printemps" appears to be all his grapes from this tiny harvest vinified together as an orange wine or rosé. The color is orange/pink with inriguing aromas of blood orange, red currant, rose, brown spice, apricot... The palate shows bright acidity with hints of orange zest, wild strawberry, pear and apricot with very firm acidity in the clean mineral finish. 11.5% alcohol, zero SO2. It drinks like a tonic of some sort, at times while sipping this you might forget that you're drinking wine! A unique and delicious natural wine, which of course is what we expect from Christophe Foucher!

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $20.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • No Sulfur

Jonc Blanc Solera Vin de France Pure M Manseng

Wow, this a superb natural wine - 100% Gros Manseng from three vintages, 2018 - 2020, grown on a clay/limestone terroir (calcaire de Castillon). Elevage in 1800 liter Stockinger foudre. This is a more northern version of this grape of southwest France with aromas of exotic fruit, pineapple and herbs. The palate is vibrant with almond, pear and apricot fruit, and finishes with saline minerals. Zero added SO2, 36 btls for the US, enjoy!

  • Out of Stock
  • white
  • 0 in stock
  • $28.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur