# Sur Le Fil (2023)

- **Producer:** Jeff Carrel
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Riesling
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, white peach, iodine

## About this wine

Sur Le Fil is a 100% Riesling white wine from the Languedoc region of France, specifically designated as IGP Hérault. The name 'Sur Le Fil,' meaning 'On the Wire,' reflects the wine's balanced profile. Jeff Carrel, the producer, is known for his dynamic approach to winemaking in the South of France, aiming to create wines with strong identities that respect their origins and the environment. This wine is notable for showcasing the Riesling grape, typically found in cooler climates, in the warmer Languedoc terroir. The 2023 vintage has received critical acclaim, including a Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirits Awards.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Sur Le Fil' translates to 'On the Wire,' symbolizing the wine's precise balance.
- This Riesling is grown in the warm Languedoc, a departure from the grape's typical cool-climate origins.
- The wine is made with indigenous yeasts, allowing for a natural fermentation process.
- It is produced using organic viticulture practices.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity cuts through richness and cleanses the palate, making it ideal for seafood and lighter dishes. Its minerality complements delicate flavors, while its subtle fruit notes can bridge to citrus or herb-infused preparations.

## Wine making process

Sur Le Fil is produced through direct pressing of the Riesling grapes. Fermentation is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts and without the addition of sulfur dioxide. The wine is then aged on its lees for an extended period, either in used barrels for 18 months or in stainless steel and concrete vats for 6-8 months, with some lees stirring. This process emphasizes natural expression and minimal intervention, aiming to capture the purity of the grape and the terroir.