Puech Redon "Apparente" Blanc 2023

Cyril Cuche lives off the beaten path in the Languedoc on a massive property that used to supply wheat to a large scale bread baker. Over the last couple decades Cuche has been renting off the wheat fields and has shifted his attention to planting and maintaining about 45 hectares of vines ranging in age from 5-30 years old. His winery, Chateau Puech Redon has been producing natural wines under the consult of the one and only Eric Texier for a few years now. The Puech Redon wines could fall under the Cévennes IGP, but Cuche intentionally declassifies his wines, partially because he chooses to pick his grapes at significantly lower alcohol levels than the majority of the region. The result is wines that are more lifted and easier to drink than Cévennes is known for producing, with Texier's influence clearly showing through. L'Apperente Blanc is mostly Viognier and Grenache Blanc, with a splash of Roussanne. The grapes are whole cluster direct press and fermented and aged in a mix of barrique and concrete. Unfiltered, the wine has a cloudy, fluorescent color in the glass and drinks like a salty pilsener or a funky wheat beer. Tangy, viscous, and floral, it is easy to knock back and pairs with anything from fish tacos to red Solo cups. At just 11% abv, it's sessionable for long, hot summer days. Kirk Sutherland and Jonathan Kemp