2021 Domaine Valma, Fleurie, Les Labourons Prelude

A unique bottling, only done so far in 2021. From a 1.59 ha parcel in the “Les Laburons” lieu dit. Vines are North and west-facing at 360-410m altitude on decomposed granite soils. It is produced via a 2-4 week ambient yeast fermentation with 100% whole clusters, and a semi-carbonic maceration in concrete. After fermentation, the wine ages for a further eight months in concrete. There is no fining, no filtration, and just the minimal amount of sulfur added at bottling (30 ppm)

The Prelude is a truly complex wine, combining the best classic Fleurie aromatics, herbal notes gained through stem inclusion, and fleshier red fruits highlighted by semi-carbonic maceration. The wine provides ample structure and fine soft tannins and is just a delicious and fun wine to drink and explore.