# A Toi Nous (NV)

- **Producer:** Andrea Calek
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Grenache
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, redcurrant, black pepper

## About this wine

Czech-born winemaking icon Andrea Calek left his homeland and traveled through France, where he was introduced to natural winemaking by Beaujolais legendary Gang of Four. Settling in Alba-la-Romaine in the Ardèche after training under Gérald Oustric, Calek established his five-hectare estate, famously living in a trailer next to his vines. Today co-managed with Stefana Nicolescu, the estate is renowned for pure, unadulterated natural wines.

## Interesting facts

- Founder Andrea Calek famously lived in a trailer adjacent to his vines in the Ardèche for years.
- Calek learned natural winemaking from Beaujolais famous Gang of Four before founding his domain.
- A Toi Nous translates to To You, Us and combines whole-cluster maceration with direct-press juice.

## Food pairing

This light-bodied red benefits from bright acidity and gentle tannins, making it exceptionally versatile. Chilled slightly, it cuts through cured meats, enhances herbal roasted lamb, and complements acid-driven tomato dishes without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

Farmed using organic and biodynamic principles on clay-limestone soils, the grapes are hand-harvested in small crates. Half of the fruit undergoes whole-cluster carbonic maceration while the remaining half is direct-pressed to retain freshness and vibrant acidity. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in neutral tanks. The wine is bottled without fining, filtration, or added sulfur dioxide.