Hauts les Mains

Vin Noe - Jon’s first foray into natural wine Salon

A stunning Day and one of the best wine events of 2022

Wasenhaus / Vins saisons / Arnaud Chapuis / Alex Plassat / No Control / Le Grappin / Paul Lewakowski / Bastien Wolber / Matt & Camille Thiriet / La Maison Romane / Svante & Laila / Aaron Ayscough / Domaine Didon / Maison Maenad / Chris Santini / Raphael & Hannah Piconnet / Charles Dufour / Domaine Dandelion / Yannick Meckert / Julien Altaber / Jean Jacques Morel / Domaine Dame Jeanne / Les Flaneurs / Domaine Chapel / Jean Jacques Morel / Paul Lewakowski

"Raise Your Hands Up" - A Song That Takes Me Back

Listening to "Hauts les mains" or "Raise Your Hands Up" always brings me back to my childhood vacations in Ibiza. I must have been around four or five years old, and this song was a staple at the club hotels we stayed at. After dinner, the staff would dress up in sombreros and tourists would walk around drunk, red wine stains on their shirts with toy donkeys, enjoying the time of their lives in the steaming hot humidity.

That memory is not too different from an event hosted by Jonathan Purcell of Vin Noe at Jean-Jacques Morel's old cave in Saint Aubin. Jonathan is a charming, down-to-earth Californian, and his collection of fine natural vinegars from the Alsace, Bourgogne, and Jura regions was a treat to taste. The group consisted mostly of the expat mob, but it was more of a get-together of friends rather than an exclusive event.

The weather was scorching, and the land was parched, as if desertification was slowly creeping onto the continent from North Africa. It was like being in a sauna inside the cave, and stepping out felt like being in the Sahara.

Les Flaneurs

Les Flâneurs: A Promising Winemaking Duo

Laurence Cuthbertson and Nina of Les Flâneurs are a pair of talented young winemakers based in Bourgogne. Their first cuvées were impressive, with a quality that hints at a promising future.

As a Welsh négociant, Laurence has a keen eye for sourcing the best grapes from small, independent growers across the region. Nina, on the other hand, has experience in winemaking, having previously worked in vineyards in Australia and New Zealand.

Warenhaus Christoph Wolber and Alex Götze

Wasenhaus

Wasenhaus: The Masters of Pinot in Baden, Germany

If you're a fan of Pinot, then you need to know about Wasenhaus. Christoph Wolber and Alex Götze are the masterminds behind this acclaimed winery in Baden, Germany, and they're making some of the best Pinot in the country.

Their Pinot , made using the classic Burgundian method of whole-cluster pressing and fermented in used wooden barrels, is a true standout. Grown on volcanic clay soil, this wine is a testament to Wasenhaus's commitment to quality and attention to detail.

It's no surprise that the wines from Wasenhaus have gained a reputation as some of the best in Germany.


Charles Dufour

Bulles du Comptoir

Experimental avant-garde champagne artist Charles Dufour, based in Cote d'Bar, pours the extremely rare Bulles du Comptoir sélection on the hour every hour to the much delight of the crowds.

A pioneer of the new order for natural champagne, using a réserve perpetuelle as a small percentage from his father's finished stock from as far back as 1982. 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc.

Pouring all his previous years cuvees , staring at 1 , on the hour every hour..he was on fine form and having a great time.


David Maurin

Food

Knocking out Tomato grilled bread and anchovies and mergeuz later on..too good , perfect for the day.

Saint Romain coffee make affogato’s and iced coffees from carefully sourced growers ..perfect for the sweltering heat.

Paul Lewakowski

Paul Lewakowski

Great wine, Great Guy based in Jura , one to watch no doubt , American and Polish of origin and studied in Aberdeen at university.

Hits of the day , Aaron Ayscoughs’ wines , from wild abandoned vines based in Languedoc ,harvested at night , actually excellent wines for his first cuvee , He has however learned from the best .. one was a pet nat , that was lovely , he should probably get into this full time as they are very good.

Gamay beer? Yes, you read that right! It may come as a surprise, but this unique drink is a beautiful creation. At first, people may need to ask twice when they hear that it's beer made with 30% gamay grapes.

Domaine Dandelion..AS you may have noticed i’m a big fan of other beverages other than wine..one great hit of the day was Domaine dandelions cider , Christian Knott’s first foray into the commercial cider game..


This years event .

Haut les mains

The line up , the who’s who of upcoming natural vignerons.

This years one will be hosted on Sunday the 23rd of July 2023 at Château de Lusigny-sur-Ouche

INFO HERE



Where to stay..an absolute cracking campsite can be found around 40 kms away , shaded by trees and situated on the banks of the river Doubs .

Cooling off

going for a dip in the river , a refreshing dip when the mercury has hit 40..

Kayaking down the river doubs

Camp site on the way , by the river doubs , stunning location and a kayak down the river only 5 euros per hour , great way to spend the morning , lots of bird life

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Why natural wine ?

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Scotlands Wine Problem