2021BaptisteCousin(LeBatossay),‘GrGr’GrolleauGris,LoireValley,France

<p>“Only the dead fish swim with the current”, reads the label of this intense white – a fitting creed for Baptiste’s vigneron philosophy. The name is an acronym for the grape it’s made with, the pink-skinned mutation of Grolleau called Grolleau Gris that’s mostly known for rosé wines. Here, Baptiste serves a sharp, compelling direct press “blanc de noirs” version of this Loire Valley specialty.</p><p>Grape: Grolleau Gris</p><p>Vineyard: clayey-loam & limestone, biodynamically farmed by Baptiste himself. Planted in 1992 (same as for Marie Rose above)</p><p>Making of: hand-harvested grapes are direct-pressed into a 3000-liter conical oak vat, where the must ferments spontaneously. The malolactic fermentation takes place in large fiberglass tanks. Bottled after two rackings in May, unfined, unfiltered, zero SO2 added.</p><p>Personality: fresh, intense white wine with beautiful purity.</p>