2022 L’Unique Gaz De Schiste Rose Effervescent

• Faugères, France
• 50% Grenache, 50% Mourvèdre
• Organic & Biodynamic

Château La Liquière is a family-owned winery nestled in the Haut Languedoc natural park, passed down through generations. Situated in the highest part of the Faugères appellation, its vineyards are uniquely planted on schist soils—an unusual feature in Languedoc that gives the wines a strong identity. The Vidals, who have been making wine here for generations, were instrumental in establishing Faugères as an appellation in 1982, gaining global recognition.

The estate spans 60 hectares, with vines grown on steep terraces at elevations between 150 and 350 meters. The soil, made of colorful schists, is poor but ideal for viticulture, absorbing and reflecting the sun's heat to nurture the vines. Vineyard work is nearly all manual, with limited tractor use to avoid herbicides.

The winery produces red and rosé wines from grenache, syrah, carignan, mourvèdre, and cinsault, alongside whites made from grenache blanc, roussanne, terret, and clairette. Grapes are hand-harvested and processed in either traditional concrete vats or modern stainless-steel vessels, ensuring quality and style.

Tasting Notes: A lively ancestral-method sparkling rosé with a tangy nose of raspberry and redcurrant. The palate is rounded yet tonic, with slim, elegant bubbles. Pairs well with oysters, clams, cured meats, chicken, feta, and chèvre.

2023 L'Ampoule Rouge, Château la Liquière

• Faugères, France
• 50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache
• Organic & Biodynamic

Château de La Liquière Ampoule Rouge is an unoaked blend of Cinsault and Grenache, in a vin de soif style.  The name “L’Ampoule” comes from the nickname given to the Burgundy-style wine bottle. A common southern expression captures the joy of uncorking: “Et si on faisait péter une Ampoule!” or, in English, “How about cracking open a bottle!”

Tasting Notes: This vibrant, fruit-forward medium bodied red highlights the finesse of Cinsault and its schist terroir. Perfect lightly chilled, it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, grilled foods, sausages, or even meaty fish. A versatile, satisfying wine for any occasion.

2023 Gusto Brisat Skin Contact

• Catalonia, Spain
• Xarel·lo
• Regenerative & Organic

Gusto Brisat 2023 is a captivating skin-contact white wine from the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, crafted entirely from Xarel·lo grapes—a key varietal in Cava production. Medium-bodied and dry, the wine features a delicate tannic structure, making it both vibrant and approachable.

This wine is part of Gusto’s debut lineup of party-sized liter bottles, produced by renowned Catalan winemaker Jaume Colet. A rising star and advocate for his homeland’s winemaking traditions, Jaume is also a founding member of VIDA PNDS, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting Catalonia’s rich viticultural heritage.

Jaume’s wines embody the energy, vibrancy, and drinkability that define the region, using exclusively indigenous grape varieties. Sourced from vineyards transitioning to regenerative agriculture, the lineup includes a rosado of Trepat, a refreshing chillable red from Sumoll and Trepat, and the electric, skin-contact Xarel·lo of Gusto Brisat. Widely celebrated in Barcelona and now gaining traction in California, these wines are perfect companions for beautiful coastal days.

Tasting Notes: Gusto Brisat 2023 offers zesty citrus, ripe stone fruits, and a touch of salinity, with a textured, medium-bodied palate and subtle tannins. Food Pairings: Perfect with grilled seafood, charcuterie, paella, or Mediterranean salads.

2023 Stéphane Rocher Ferme du Mont Benault Petits Cailloux Blanc

• Loire, France
• 80% Grolleau Gris & 20% Chenin
• Organic

In 2008, Stéphane Rocher left his career in communication in Paris to reconnect with his wine roots. By 2010, he discovered an abandoned farm and cellar in Faye d’Anjou, where he began producing wines in 2011. Stéphane farms his 6.5 hectares of vines organically, hand-harvesting grapes and minimizing inputs in the cellar, using little to no sulfur. In 2012, he started replanting the hillsides of purple and sandstone schists, along with phtanites, with Chenin, Grolleau Noir, and Grolleau Gris.

Part of the “En Joue Connection” collective of young Anjou natural winemakers, Stéphane crafts wines that are approachable for both novices and enthusiasts. At La Ferme du Mont Benault, he carefully cultivates diverse terroirs to create pure, precise wines, balancing originality with accessibility.

The "Petits Cailloux Blanc" vintage is a blend of 80% Grolleau Gris and 20% Chenin, grown on red and green schists. Vinified and aged in vats, this wine reflects the vibrant terroir and Stéphane’s commitment to natural winemaking.

Tasting Notes: A dry, light, and floral white wine with a supple texture and light acidity on the finish. The red schist terroir imparts a refreshing character, enhancing its aromatic profile. Pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled vegetables, goat cheese, or light poultry dishes.