# Les Équilibristes Volute 2022 (2022)

- **Producer:** Les Équilibristes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Gamay
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €26
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later

## About this wine

Les Équilibristes Volute 2022 is a red wine from the Loire Valley, France. The producer, Les Équilibristes, is a collective of winemakers founded by François de Monval and Florent Girou. Their philosophy centers on encouraging winemakers to explore less conventional paths and to craft vibrant, unique wines. They adhere to principles of using indigenous grape varieties, organic winemaking, minimal tillage, indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur rates, and no additives or corrections. This wine is distinctive due to its commitment to organic and minimal-intervention winemaking, utilizing indigenous grapes and yeasts with very low sulfite levels. The wine is vegan-friendly.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Les Équilibristes' translates to 'The Tightrope Walkers,' reflecting their daring approach to winemaking.
- This wine is made with a commitment to 'golden rules': indigenous grapes, organic farming, minimal tillage, native yeasts, and low sulfites.
- Fermentation and aging take place in both clay amphora and stainless steel, a blend of ancient and modern techniques.

## Food pairing

The wine's inherent fruitiness and moderate alcohol can complement a range of dishes. Its minimal intervention approach means it pairs well with dishes that allow its character to shine without being overpowered. Earthy notes in food can echo subtle complexities in the wine, while lean proteins and vegetables offer a good balance.

## Wine making process

Les Équilibristes Volute 2022 is produced using organic and minimal-intervention winemaking practices. The grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts in a combination of clay amphora and stainless steel vessels. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes aging in both amphora and stainless steel. A key aspect of the winemaking is the very low sulfite addition, with 25 mg/L recorded, and the wine is filtered at 3 microns. The producer emphasizes the use of indigenous grape varieties and avoids additives or corrections.