Autochtone Romorantin Julien Courtois 2016

Autochtone Romorantin Julien Courtois, natural wine, no added sulphur, unique flavours. 100% Romorantin, a rare grape grown in the Loire, Autochtone is a rare delight, a wine of immense complexity whose precision and definition in youth expands into a complex multitude of flavours and layers with age. Taught as all Julien's wines are with defining acidity, Autochtone has amazing balance, minerality and of course drinkability. Both fruity and savoury, this is not wine for crispy Sauvignon Blanc devotees, it is something different for those who love to explore wine and the myriad of different flavours and textures the grape can give us. Brilliant wine. New vintage is delicious, well they are always are from Julien!

Julien Courtois, following in his father Claude's footsteps, created his own vineyard, Le Clos de la Bruyère, in 1998. Based in Soings en Sologne, the 4.5 hectare domain is run by Julien and his girlfriend, Heidi. They work with seven varieties of grapes, including an ungrafted Menu Pineau, planted in 1978, which is used to make the Originel wine. They adhere strictly to the principle of making wines from low-yield vineyards, so the wines can be as concentrated as possible. Their work is guided by the natural rhythms of nature, and all the work takes place by hand. Chemical treatments are eschewed in favour of plant-based remedies. “We make wines that are different, natural and rich from the values provided by a sane wine-making process,” Julien explains. “Whether in the vineyards or in the cellar, wines are made without any chemical products, which gives them a unique and singular taste.” Tasting his wines is one of those rare wine experiences which make you feel privileged to be tasting something special produced by someone unique.