2022 Julien Peyras 'Les Copains d'abord' Blanc

Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Clairette (Languedoc)

Three-day maceration of Grenache blanc and Roussanne; direct press of Clairette. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel; remontage and batonnage. No fining, filtration or sulfur

While he only recently celebrated his 40th birthday, self-proclaimed paysan Julien Peyras comes from a long line of vignerons. Inspired by his father, he decided to go “all the way” in his return to roots and nature when he began to make wine in 2007. Julien’s geographical proximity and friendship with natural wine pioneer Bernard Bellahsen is reflected in his own deeply-felt connection with the earth, which he honors by allowing the vineyards to function in harmony with their delicate surrounding ecosystems. Using tisanes and rich fertilizers in the field, careful attention is paid to the climate, moon cycles, and vegetative growth. He refuses all chemical intervention in the winemaking process, allowing each varietal and unique terroir to express themselves as nature intended.