# En attendant les copains (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine du Petit Oratoire
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, cherry, raspberry, plum, black pepper

## About this wine

Domaine du Petit Oratoire was established in 2016 by Lori Haon in Valliguières, located in the Southern Rhône Valley. At just 23 years old, Haon acquired an abandoned estate and painstakingly restored old vineyard parcels, including century-old Grenache and Carignan vines. The estate is fully Demeter-certified biodynamic. The cuvée name 'En attendant les copains' translates to 'While waiting for friends,' reflecting its purpose as an approachable, convivial red crafted for spontaneous gatherings.

## Interesting facts

- The cuvée name translates to 'While waiting for friends,' created as a refreshing wine to enjoy while waiting for guests.
- Winemaker Lori Haon established the estate at just 23 years old after buying an abandoned vineyard in 2016.
- Produced using whole-cluster gravity vatting, a traditional wooden press, and zero added SO2.

## Food pairing

This light-to-medium bodied, fruit-driven natural red pairs exceptionally well with fresh vegetable dishes, charcuterie, and lighter meats. Its bright acidity cuts through moderate fats such as soft cheeses and sausages without overwhelming subtle culinary flavors.

## Wine making process

Grown on medium-deep red clay and limestone soils, the grapes are strictly hand-harvested with yields around 32 hl/ha. Whole-bunch grapes are gravity-fed into tanks for a gentle crushing and short 10-day maceration. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using 100% indigenous yeasts. Soft pressing is completed using a traditional wooden press, followed by aging in neutral concrete tanks with zero oak exposure. The wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with zero added sulfites.