Ruppert-Leroy 'Papillon' Pinot Noir Brut Nature 2020

Bénédicte Leroy’s parents moved to Essoyes in 1975 and started a small farm on a clearing, located just above the town where they previously raised sheep. In the 1980s, it was no longer economically viable, and they learned that they could plant grapes on the land that they'd been renting for the sheep to graze on. Little by little, they planted four hectares in Essoyes and Noé-les-Mallets, not including the garden and small pasture they kept for their own animals. All of the grapes were sold to the local cooperative.

In 2009, when her father was about to retire, Bénédicte took over the domaine along with her husband Manu Leroy, under the condition that they could farm organically and make their own wines. Using his background in ecological construction, Manu built a straw bale winery on the family property, followed by a log-cabin home. In addition to the vineyards, Bénédicte and Manu run a small farm complete with horses, cows, sheep, and chickens, as well as grow their own grains. They embrace all of the biodynamic principles, creating their own compost and preparations, and have become an integral part of the biodynamic movement in France.

Their quest for the simplest winemaking has lead them toward the spirit of ‘vin nature.' Each cuvée comes from a single vintage of a single vineyard and is bottled ‘brut nature’ with no dosage. Since the 2013 vintage, no sulfur is used at the winery.

SEE: Copper with daffodil-yellow reflections

SMELL: Apple skin, fallen white rose petals and roasted chestnuts

TASTE: Ripe yellow apple and bruised stone fruit with fresh, lemony acidity and a long mineral finish

PAIR: Pair this bottle with grilled peaches drizzled in balsamic and mint, spit-roasted pork shoulder with tangy South Carolina barbecue sauce and a fresh corn, and tomato salad sprinkled with goat cheese.