Domaine Padié "Milouise" Grenache Gris, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2021

FROM STEVEN GRAF:

THE PRODUCER: Jean-Philippe Padié was born and raised in Burgundy, but always dreamed of returning to his grandparent's home in the Southwest. In 2001, after his studies, he moved to the famous village of Calce to make natural wine alongside the domaine's of Gauby, Matassa, Horizon, and Pithon. He works with no additives or sulphites. His wines are distinctly crafted, with a lifted quality rare in the Roussillon. Calce is famous for its tectonic marvel of striated bedrock -- a veritable playground for soil geeks and biodynamic seekers alike. Vines are pinstriped along limestone, clay, marl, and granite striations, allowing for many controlled fermentations and blends that put the prowess of a winemaker like Philippe at center stage. These wines are first class, always clean and elegant, always giving, and always fodder for lots of conversation.

THE WINE: Mostly Grenache Gris / Grenache blanc / Macabeu with some Carignan blanc / Clairette / Tourbat / Muscat petit grains / Muscat d'Alexandrie, Co-fermented, Direct press into stainless, Sees some new oak.