# Carambouille (2023)

- **Producer:** Les Vignerons d'Estézargues
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 13–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, cherry, plum, black pepper, violet

## About this wine

Carambouille is a vibrant, natural red wine produced by Les Vignerons d'Estézargues, a pioneering cooperative located in the Southern Rhône valley of France. Established in 1965, this co-op broke the mold in 1995 by vinifying grapes from each member's vineyard separately and adopting a strict natural winemaking philosophy. Carambouille represents the epitome of a 'vin de soif'—an incredibly drinkable, fresh, and fruit-forward red that showcases the unique terroir of the Gard region without the heavy extraction often associated with the Southern Rhône.

## Interesting facts

- Les Vignerons d'Estézargues was one of the very first cooperative cellars in France to go completely natural.
- The name 'Carambouille' is a French slang term historically referring to a type of swindle or shady business, used here with playful irony.
- Each grower in the Estézargues cooperative practices organic or sustainable farming, a rarity for large-scale co-ops.

## Food pairing

This light-to-medium-bodied, fruit-forward red thrives alongside casual, savory dishes. Its bright acidity and low tannins cut through the fat of charcuterie and grilled sausages without overwhelming lighter meats like chicken or duck. It is highly versatile and best enjoyed with simple, rustic fare.

## Wine making process

The grapes are grown sustainably and harvested by hand. In the cellar, the winemaking follows a minimalist approach. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using only native yeasts, often utilizing semi-carbonic maceration to emphasize bright fruit flavors and soft tannins. No sulfur is added during vinification, and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its natural energy and raw character.