VINTAGE: 2021
GRAPE VARIETY: Pinot Noir (100%)
LOCATION: Saint-Pierre d'Albigny, Savoie, FR
TASTING NOTE: very Germanic (that pine needle, Black Forest-y thing)
ABOUT: I tasted these wines with Raphaël's daughter, Louise, in France this February and was struck by their simplistic beauty. This domaine started small with just 3.5 hectares, aided by Raphaël's brother, Etienne, who has since stepped back. Raphaël, a biologist by training, now manages 10 hectares and led the conversion to organic farming, certified in 2012. Wink Lorch has a nice write-up on all these producers, but I particularly love the one on St. Germain because it highlights every member of this small estate, reflecting the teamwork required in winemaking. This wine perfectly exemplifies the value found in Savoie, with its cooler climate producing low-alcohol Pinot Noirs that are becoming increasingly rare in France.