Syrah / Grenache / Carignan
Bambolina 2021
La Voluta

Grape Variety: Grenache, Syran, Carignan

Producer: La Voluta (Jean-Benoit Vivequain and Anna Rubio)

Region: Cucugnan, Roussillon, France

Wild Scale: 4/5

Vegan friendly wine

13% alcohol

Winemaking: Organic grapes on red clay soils were harvested by hand. Pressed by foot in whole bunches and macerated for 8 days before pressing. Each variety was fermented with wild yeast separately in stainless steel before ageing in barrel for 8 months. The Carignan barrel was not topped up which exposed it to some oxygen. The 3 wines were blended together and bottled with no fining, filtration or added sulphur. 

This Wine: Natural red wine with more of a lighter and juicier style that the usual wines from La Voluta. The result of a wet ripening season and forced early harvest. Red cherry and blackcurrants combine with delicate spice and fresh acidity. Some roundness is provided by the oxidative Carignan juice, so not a glou glou wine by any means. Only 2000 bottles made.

Notes on the Winemaker: La Voluta is the natural wine project of Jean Benoit Vivequain and Anna Rubio who now reside in the village of Cucugnan after meeting on the other side of the world in New Zealand where they were both learning about winemaking. They focus on old-vine Grenache Noir which is indigenous to the wild and rugged terrain between Cucugnan and Maury. The wines are deep and complex, often with some darker elements as JB enjoys playing with oxidation. No cuvée is ever made twice which keeps Anna busy as she makes all of the labels.