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Tolpuddle + Philippe Pacalet + Mont de Marie + Little RaRa tasting this Saturday 3-6PM!

by Annandale Cellars

Tolpuddle

For many of you Tolpuddle will need no introduction as the team behind Shaw + Smith have done a tremendous job, turning a vision of what Tasmanian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has to offer into one of the best producers for both varieties in the New World. The idea for a move to the cool climate of the Apple Isle presented itself to the cousins over a bottle of Roederer and Bonneau du Martray at Launceston's Stillwater Restaurant as they discussed the local climatic data and the potential for Tasmania to produce the country's best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with experts in the field. Two days later, they had found their perfect site.

Since their first release in 2012 it's been clear the effort and investment to regenerate the Tolpuddle site was worth it as year after year they produce world class wines with a following to match! We've got less than a dozen of each of the wines so get in quick if these are on the menu for you. - Pete L

 

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Pyren Vineyard

Saturday 14th of October

3-6PM

Established in 1999 by brothers Brian and Kevyn Joy, their respective son and nephew, Leighton Joy, now calls the shots.

The vineyard is nestled in the central Victorian high country amongst state forest and grazing pastures, and is managed by viticulturist Graeme Miles organically. Inviting the visiting grazers to help maintain unwanted growth between the vines, and incorporating methods such as composting and under-vine mulching to care for the red sandy and clay loam soils, the roots of the vines run deep, and yields are low, whilst fruit quality is high.

For this weekend's tasting, we focus on the Little Rara range: Joy's experimental, rulebook-out-the-window, fun wines with the bubbly Pét-Nat #1, the skinsy Roopa and the light and bright Rouge.

Join Iain this Saturday as he sparks Joy pouring you the Little Rara range from Pyren Vineyard.

 

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Philippe Pacalet

Philippe Pacalet is one of the top names in "natural" winemaking, deeply influenced by his uncle Marcel Lapierre, a pioneer of the modern natural wine movement and one of the OG's in Kermit Lynch's Gang of Four. Philippe has an impressive background, including roles as general manager at Domaine Prieuré Roch and brief stints at Château Rayas, and Domaine Leroy. Despite an invitation from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, he chose to start his own micro negociant operation focusing on specific sites across Burgundy with the occasional detour to the Beaujolais and the Northern Rhone.

Pacalet's philosophy emphasizes letting each terroir speak for itself, renting plots and having them managed to his very high standards.The selection process considers various factors like yield, minimum vine age of 45 years, orientation and exposure of the site, whilst maintaining a very high standard of work in the vineyard.

He follows natural winemaking practices that would probably be very recognisable to his grandfather and uncle. Wild fermentation happens in open top wooden vats using whole bunches and zero sulphur. The wines are then aged on gross lees in predominantly used oak barrels sourced via Philippe's deep connections in Burgundy, giving him access to the best barrels on the market. He doesn't fine or filter the wines as he is chasing the purest snapshot of each terroir from each vintage, preferring to use more gentler natural techniques to coax out flavour.

These wines are held in high regard and sit alongside the very best of the region, commanding the same level of attention as his peers. They are found on all the best wine lists across the globe and thankfully in some of the best wine shops too! They deserve careful cellaring, reserving them for a special occasion or if you are like me... On the grass in the park with mates because it was the right thing to do at the time. - Pete L

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Mont de Marie

Thierry Forestier is a passionate farmer and winemaker cultivating 12 hectares of beautiful vines in Souvignargues, a small village just 20 km from Nimes. He prioritises soil diversity and vine health across his picturesque vineyards planted on granite, clay, and sandy soils, that are framed by mature boxwood and oak trees. Thierry emphasizes working naturally, avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and winemaking pills and potions, producing beautiful wines from the likes of Aramon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Viognier, and Ugni-blanc.

Thierry's wine journey took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he collaborated with Eric Pfifferling of Domaine L'Anglore, inspiring him to adopt a lighter winemaking approach, eschewing oak for concrete, shortening macerations and easing up on the extraction. We never knew the wines before 2017 but we are very glad he made the change as the wines are pitch perfect, bright and transparent Languedoc expressions that continue to highlight the amazing work of the new wave of vignerons in the region.

Originally an IT consultant, Thierry transitioned to farming in 2002, despite not having farming experience. He chose Souvignargues for his vineyards and began with 5 hectares of old vines, he has since expanded to 12 hectares. His vineyards benefit from cool summer nights due to air currents coming in from the Mont Aigoual ranges.

Thierry has become a luminary in the area, advocating for more honest hands-off winemaking and careful farming. He assists young growers, offering guidance in the vineyard and sourcing grapes during challenging vintages too. We've had the wines on our shelves for a few years now and they have become a release we always look forward to. We've only got a dozen of each of the wines available this year so don't miss these if they sound like your thing. - Pete L

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