# La Pantomine (2023)

- **Producer:** Maxime-François Laurent
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, cherry, plum, blackberry, black pepper, violet, smoke, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

Maxime-François Laurent, son of Michèle Aubéry-Laurent of the legendary Domaine de Gramenon, established his own négociant project in 2006. Based in Montbrison-sur-Lez in the southern Rhône Valley, he sources high-quality, organically grown grapes from trusted local growers who share his family's commitment to biodynamic and natural farming. La Pantomine is a vibrant, pure expression of Southern Rhône Syrah, crafted with the same minimal-intervention philosophy that has made the Gramenon name a cult icon among natural wine lovers worldwide.

## Interesting facts

- Maxime-François Laurent is the son of Michèle Aubéry-Laurent, the iconic winemaker behind the cult estate Domaine de Gramenon.
- The grapes for La Pantomine are sourced from certified organic vineyards in the southern Rhône, maintaining strict natural standards.
- This cuvée is vinified entirely in concrete vats to emphasize the pure, unadorned expression of the Syrah grape.

## Food pairing

The vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and juicy red and black fruit profile of this natural Syrah make it highly versatile. It pairs beautifully with rustic, savory dishes, particularly roasted meats and earthy vegetarian options, where the wine's freshness cuts through richness without overpowering the food.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and undergo a gentle, natural vinification process. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using only indigenous yeasts in concrete vats to preserve the fresh fruit profile. The wine is aged for a short period in concrete tanks to maintain its bright energy and primary characteristics. In keeping with natural winemaking principles, no fining or filtration is performed, and sulfur additions are kept to an absolute minimum before bottling.