Les Vignerons de Buzet – Buzet ‘SANS’, Sans Sulfites Ajoutés – 2022

Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Founded in 1953, Les Vignerons de Buzet comprises 130 wine growers and is one of the few French cooperatives that control all stages of production: from the vineyards through to the bottled wines. They account for 95% of the vineyards planted in the region. Since 2005, they have been committed to ecological and corporate social responsibility, a philosophy which extends to all their growers with an emphasis on sustainability, with a positive environmental, economic and social perspective in all aspects of production. 95% of the vineyards are certified as Haute Valeur Environmentale and are either organic or in organic conversion.

THE VINTAGE:
The 2022 vintage was characterised by successive heat waves from May to September. These very hot and dry conditions led to the development of particularly healthy, small and concentrated grapes. The 2022 harvest was unusually early, starting on 18 August, and produced quality rather than quantity. For the red wines, the vintage will be remembered for its fresh and deeply fruity wines.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
AOP Buzet is located on the southern bank of the Garonne River in South West France, approximately 60 miles south of Bordeaux. Wine has been produced in this area since Roman times. The close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a maritime climate, which becomes increasingly continental inland. Rainfall is concentrated in spring and wintertime, and during the summer, southerly winds from the Mediterranean bring warming influences to the vineyards, encouraging ripening while naturally ventilating the vines. The sustainably cultivated vines thrive in calcareous clay soils with gravel, originally formed from the riverbed of the nearby River Garonne. Great emphasis is placed on preserving the soil quality; cover crops are planted between the vines to naturally enrich the soil and encourage biodiversity in the vineyard. Chemicals and herbicides are not employed. Management of resources, especially water, is key to optimising balance within the vineyard.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
This wine was made without the addition of sulphites; any traces left in the wine are those which developed naturally during fermentation. Only the healthiest fruit was selected for vinification. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts in temperature-controlled vats, with gentle maceration to extract the soft, delicate tannins and to maximise the fruit-forward dimension.

OUR TASTING NOTE:
Bursting with vibrant aromas of red and black berry fruits, this harmoniously balanced wine has a smooth texture, the tannins beautifully integrated through to a long finish, rich in fruit.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Merlot 60%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%.