New Arrivals from Ostal Levant
We were introduced to Louis and Charlotte Pérot by our good friend Simon Busser who makes stunning wines in the nearby commune of Prayssac on one of the Lot's extravagant meanders.The Pérots left Paris and bought a house and winery at the end of 2015. Having spent some time with Simon learning how to work the soil and understanding the subtleties of Malbec/Côt, they began to make their own wine.
Perched above the Lot outside Puy l'Eveque, where Louis and Charlotte settled, the soils are heavy clay, rich in iron deposits and a sub soil of limestone rock, very different from the sandier soils down by the Lot that Simon has. The bulk of the vineyards are planted around the house, mostly old plantations of Côt. But Louis and Charlotte began planting small amounts of new vineyards in 2016/17 some more Côt but also trials of different varieties. In an experimental spirit have planted white varieties - Loin de L'Oeil, Mauzac and Chenin along with a massal selection of Côt de Touraine, Syrah, Muscat and the hybrid Chamboursin. These are all in small quantities but as the vines get older it will be interesting to see what they can bring from this area dominated by Malbec.
The 2021 wines from Louis and Charlotte are some of the most exciting wines they have made to date. They are brimming with character and really showcase the vibrancy that sets their wines apart. Do not be fooled by the inky darkness of Malbec - these are full of lift and energy.
THE WINES
Jaune Bleu Blanc 2021
Chenin blanc, Mauzac, Loin de l’oeil from the new plots planted in 2016 and 2017, just a short walk from the house and cellar. There are some sappy and herbaceous notes from the traditional Gaillac varieties, backed up by classic opulence from the Chenin.
Le bleu du ciel 2021
This is just Chenin blanc from the same new plot, fermented and aged in old Sauternes barrels. This has heady, almond-y aromatics, as well as a saline kick at the finish. Bottled in April 2022, this real ageing potential.
Regain 2020
Côt from a plot near Duravel. While it's just a few minutes drive away, it feels very different to the vines around the farm: the woodland was denser, the air wetter. This has some liquorice punch of Côt, but such a long saline finish.
Goupil 2021
Another new plot planted with a hybrid grape called Chambourcin, known for its tolerance of humidity. This is delicately aromatic, with brambly fruit and still some of the Pérot's characteristic intense minerality.
Fioretti 2021
We first tried this cuvée when it was called Le Tour. The grapes come from a different plot in Duravel, old vines of Côt overlooking the Lot. Longer maceration than the rest, but still not a bruiser, this is supple and round, with soft tannins and dense fruit.
Hilarius 2021
A mix of 12 or so different varieties (Côt, Côt de Touraine, Merlot...and many more) from the new plantings. Whole bunches crushed and macerated for six days, then aged in old barrels. Delicate, almost tonic fruit, this is rather light (10.5%!) and is wonderfully thirst-quenching.
Fakir 2021
Made in collaboration with Simon Busser, this is Syrah from a friend of theirs nearby. All whole-bunch maceration, this is lithe and taut, spiced and with zippy fruit.
