Chateau de Piote Vin des Potes Clair

The Aubrion family have run this small Right Bank estate since 1998, when Virginie Aubrion and her family took over the dilapidated farmhouse and surrounding land. Indomitable and determined matriarch Virginie, has always been the winemaker here and now shares the work of running the estate with her son Corentin, with other family members chipping in as and when they can. Their aim has always been to return their home to its original state as a farm and their commitment to biodiversity is very much enhanced by their menagerie of sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys and ducks - their favourite Michele appearing on the labels of their cuvée des Potes range. The wines are hand-made and artisanal and sit on the "natural" side of the fence, but still very proper and crafted rather than "funky".

The Aubrion family are true lovers of the land, with the estate being farmed organically well before it become trendy in Bordeaux and certified biodynamic with Demeter since 2013.

Merlot, Malbec

50% Merlot, 50% Malbec.

Grapes are all organic, harvesting is by hand, fermentation begins using only the native grape yeasts and sulphite additions are minimal. Firstly the grapes are put in a concrete tank to macerate with the juices for a short while. Then using the saignée method, a certain amount of the juice is bled off once the desired colour has been reached. This is then put into amphorae for fermentation.

A proper ‘Clairet’ from Bordeaux, a light red with bright, juicy joyous red fruits and fresh finish.

Beautifully vivacious and fruity on the nose. Mulberries, soft red fruits on the palate, with soft tannins to give some pleasing structure to this very moreish light red wine.

Drink with Asian style duck or pork dishes.

Max - A Bordeaux that can’t be called a Bordeaux always fills us with intrigue. This is a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Malbec which farmed and vinified using biodynamic practices. It’s a bit funky and very fun. And, seen as I know you’re wondering, it can’t be called Bordeaux because of the shape of the bottle. Honestly.