BENOIT ROSENBERGER
La Liberté 2023
Auvergne, France
A collaboration between Benoit and his friends at Les Ussels, this is a blend of Carignan and Mourvèdre harvested from the vines of Mas Origine in Montpeyroux. Each of the pair vinified the grapes separately as infusions of whole bunches, before the two wines were blended to rest in cuve for a year. Though light on its feet, this remains resolutely southern in feel, with warm, sun-kissed fruit and bitter herbs combining to beautiful effect.
Please note there is a limit of one bottle per customer. This product is excluded from any discount codes.
Carignan, Grenache
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
From a tiny cellar in the village of Saint-Maurice-ès-Allier in Auvergne, Benoit Rosenberger has made a name for himself as one to watch in this most exciting of regions.
Born in Sancerre, Benoit initially worked as a computer programmer and at a large Champagne house, an experience that left him disenchanted with wine. However, a move to the Auvergne and chance meetings with local vignerons such as his good friend Frédéric Gounan convinced him to start over again, this time doing things the only way that felt right.
Benoit farms just three hectares of Gamay d’Auvergne from 50–80 year old vines split across small parcels on rolling hills some 350–500 metres above sea level. The vines are tended by hand and Benoit eschews even the use of copper and sulphur, instead using teas and infusions such as dandelion, nettle and pine to care for the plants. The soil is predominantly basalt, which along with volcanic sand and granite makes for dense, perfumed wines that shimmer with life.
In the cellar, Benoit is uncompromising in his approach. There are no additions made at any stage and the wines are only bottled after a proper élevage. Although he remains laid-back, humble and full of charm, his wines are amongst the most thrilling and compelling we have found.