# Les Champs Libres Le Geai des Champs (2023)

- **Producer:** Les Champs Libres
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Marsanne, Roussanne, Sylvaner
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, lemon, mint, fennel

## About this wine

Les Champs Libres Le Geai des Champs is a white wine crafted by René-Jean Dard, the legendary pioneer of low-intervention winemaking in the Northern Rhône and co-founder of Domaine Dard & Ribo. Sourced from biodynamically farmed vines in the Ardèche cultivated by Patricia and Rémi Bonneton, this boutique cuvée reflects pure artisanal craftsmanship. Named Le Geai des Champs after the local Eurasian jay bird, it showcases a minimalist philosophy where nature leads the way.

## Interesting facts

- Crafted by René-Jean Dard, one of the original 1980s pioneers of natural winemaking in France.
- Named Le Geai des Champs after the wild Eurasian jay bird that inhabits the vineyard surroundings.
- Bottled entirely unfined and unfiltered with zero added sulfur dioxide.

## Food pairing

The vibrant acidity and mineral salinity of this light natural white wine cut through creamy goat cheese and complement delicate, herb-infused fish and vegetable dishes without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested and directly pressed upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel tanks using only indigenous yeasts without temperature adjustment or additives. The wine ages for six months in stainless steel vats before being bottled completely unfined, unfiltered, and without any added sulfur dioxide.