Here's something new and exciting for us and hopefully for you too! The first release to hit Australian shores from Peter Gierszewski of Domaine de Thalie! Wickedly good, utterly sophisticated, these wines from the small monastic town of Cluny (Bray region, France) showcase the transitional nature of the area where Burgundy shifts to Beaujolais in terroir and winemaking style (some reds see carbonic maceration and some whites spend time in amphora) and grape variety.
Started in 2009 after Gierszewski spent 10 years as a French wine merchant, Domaine le Thalie has been organic from the start and biodynamic since 2014. One thing we LOVE about these wines is that we also get huge Jura vibes - light, fresh reds and complex, acid driven whites. Is it because of how Gierszewski decided to plant? Westward rather than South-East which is the norm for the region? Or is it his creative winemaking approach? We reckon it's C, all of the above.
What's for sure is that the Les Cosmics Aligote is the standout here. Aligote from the most limestoney of soils gives off huge lemon balm/salty/mineral vibes. FRESH to death and just glorious (if you can't grab a bottle online, send us an email and we might be able to secure one for you in the next delivery, or head over to Paddo where it's being poured by the glass). His two chardonnays demonstrate the sheer variety you can get from vine age and terroir. Les Pierres comes from single plot old vines grown on red/blue/yellow marl. It's complex, flinty and taut. Atout Vent comes from younger vines grown on limestone clay soil makes for a mineral driven and elegant white peach, citrus-pith delight.
Balancin Pinot Noir is a straight down the line pinot and does exactly what it says on the label. Complex red fruits, vibrant with easy tannins and little spice. Megalithe Gamay has plenty going on. It's mostly, mostly, gamay with a splash of pinot noir for structure. It's energetic, lithe and elegant. And because syrah is a big non for Bourgogne and Macon, Plutonic is labeled as Saone et Loire. A syrah/gamay number, each undergoes carbonic maceration and ageing separately before blending. The result? A fresh cherry/plummy supple number with stacks of personality. These are some seriously vibrant, super fresh and limitless wines that are a must. Snap up the few we have online or roll over to Paddo for a scavenger hunt. But, if you're more try-before-you-buy, they'll be appearing on Paddo's wine list in the coming days. But, like all good things, don't sleep too long or you might find you've missed out...