Jean-Louis Tribouley ‘Les Copines’

Deep in the south of France is a place called Latour de France which Wikipedia “ the original frontier between France and Catalonia”. I would say it has long been a haven (one could argue - a beginning) for natural wine. In fact, the Roussillon/Côtes Catalanes area (just above Provence) has been home to many a natural winemaker for a good long while. Makes sense that biodynamic agriculture thrives in this climate but even more important are vignerons like Jean-Louis Tribouley who are continuing to honor the old ways and grapes - to work together with their colleagues to champion a return to chemical free wine!!

His story is like so many of our favs - wanting to make wine, he was lucky to be ableto work with Gerard Gauby (widely regarded as the father of biodynamics in the part of the world) over 20-years ago. And Jean-Louis learned quickly that soil is everything and biodiversity is essential. So, when he was able to find a property of his own, he immediately prioritized healthy soil and bio-agriculture practices - in his words “to live from the earth while respecting it, to never use chemical weed killers and to plough the soil when needed and because the vines are close together, to go back to the ancestral practice of using a mule.”

Sounds romantic and we’re all about it over at Molly’s but we also recgonize that this HARD WORK!! We are so grateful!

Tribouley’s 10.5 hectares farm is full of life - horse, mule, bees, sheep, a hands-off approach, pragmatism, modesty, love. He tends to vineyards where Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Macabeu and Grenache Gris vines grow! Plots are worked with a horse, a tractor, a few caterpillars-everything is worked by hand. The soils are rocky and stoney, composed of schist or a mix of gneiss/granite - great for grapes but hard for working by hand!

‘Les Copines’ is mostly Carignan, with just a hint of Grenache from 20 to 60 year old vines. This undergoes about 15 days of carbonic maceration giving it such a dynamic, crunchy texture. It has a pretty natty, forest floor nose but is much more classic on the palette. Juicy ripe red and black fruit with a slight brine-y side. Fun and wild - best enjoyed connecting with friends who may be visiting for the holidays and friends who are with you all the time!!!