Vignerons D'Estezargues, Alma Viva, Pet Nat, Brut Nature, Vin de France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Les Vignerons D’ Estézargues is a co-operative cellar in the small town of Estézargues, very close to Avignon and the Pont du Gard in the southern Rhone valley. All over France, the co-op still plays a very important role in the production and sale of wine. Co-ops typically receive grapes from their members and then make wines from them in large batches, not mentioned vineyards or winemakers. The wines are sourced from many different vineyards from all over the region and typically the focus is on quantity. Not quality.

Estézargues was established in 1965 and, as early as the 1980s, shifted towards natural winemaking thanks to the arrival of Jean-François Nicq, a talented winemaker influenced by the ideas of natural wine legends like Marcel Lapierre. Nicq (now making wine in his own boutique Domaine des Foulards Rouges in Roussillon) put the cave firmly on track towards respectful farming and practically no additives in the cellar. No commercial yeast, no enzymes, no gum arabic, no acidifiers, and also almost no sulfur. “We use a minimal amount of SO2 at bottling if needed, to make sure the wines are safe even when exported overseas, but that’s it,” says Armelle Rouault, current winemaker at Estézargues.

Organic 

Winemaker
Armelle Rouault

Grape / Blend
28% Grenache Blanc, 22% Clairette, 22% Bourboulenc, 22% Roussanne, 6% Viognier

Origin
Rhone Valley, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Alma Viva is the newest wine - and the first sparkling wine from the Vignerons Estezargues. Winner of the grape varieties Grenache Blanc, Clairet and Roussanne. Manufactured according to the method Charmat (second fermentation in the pressure vessel). Part of the base wine comes from the polling, which gives its wonderful, orange colour and also reminds of a slight “Skincontact” wine from the mouthfeel. Aromatically balances between delicate tart, crumbling spiciness and floral nuances. In addition, animating, fine carbonic acid. A sparkling wine made for picnics and uncomplicated and drinking fun. 

 Product size: 750ml