# Domaine de L'Astré Har Lo Pass (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine de L'Astré
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** South West France, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, strawberry, raspberry, violet

## About this wine

Domaine de L'Astré was founded in 2017 by Aude Duval and Sylvain Ohayon in Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, situated in the Périgord Pourpre area of South-West France. The 8 to 10 hectare biodynamic polyculture farm integrates vineyards with trees, crops, and livestock to build a resilient, holistic ecosystem. The cuvée Har Lo Pass represents a modern, fresh red interpretation of traditional regional grape varieties crafted for high drinkability and fruit purity.

## Interesting facts

- The estate operates as a biodynamic polyculture farm integrating livestock and trees directly alongside grapevines.
- Crafted using a unique five-day infusion of de-stemmed Merlot into direct-pressed Cabernet juice prior to pressing.
- Vines are planted on a limestone cliff at 80 meters elevation overlooking the Dordogne Valley.

## Food pairing

This light-bodied, fresh natural red wine excels when paired with savory charcuterie, lean poultry, and vibrant vegetable dishes. Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of cured meats and light pastries, while its low tannins and bright fruit notes complement lighter savory courses without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

Crafted from hand-harvested organic grapes grown on clay-limestone soils, this wine features a unique winemaking technique combining direct-pressed Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with de-stemmed Merlot infused into the juice for five days before pressing. Fermentation occurs naturally with wild yeasts and zero additives. The wine matures for 7 to 8 months in stainless steel vats before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with no added sulfites.