Andrea Calek

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Andrea Calek 〰️

Andrea Calek is a Czech-born natural winemaker known for his radical, minimalist approach to viticulture and winemaking in the Ardèche region of southern France.

From Czech Roots to French Vines

Born in Czechoslovakia, Calek fled military service in 1989 and began a nomadic journey across Europe. His entry into winemaking was unexpected: while on his way to Brazil, he met a woman in France and decided to stay. He first worked in olive groves, then gradually moved into viticulture.

Calek learned the craft under notable natural winemakers, including Guy Breton in Beaujolais, the Rohel brothers in the Rhône Valley, and Dominique Hauvette in Provence, where he helped convert the estate to biodynamic practices.

Establishing His Domaine in Ardèche

In 2007, Calek settled in Alba-la-Romaine, Ardèche, acquiring about 5 hectares of vines from Gérald Oustric, one of the region’s pioneers in natural wine. His partner, Stephana Nicolescu, joined the project in 2016. Together, they farm organically certified plots planted with Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Winemaking Philosophy

Calek is known for his “extreme natural” approach: no added sulfites, no fining or filtration, and no chemical inputs in the vineyard or cellar. He often describes himself as “lazy,” but in truth, his hands-off winemaking is backed by diligent vineyard work and sharp instincts.

He was once recognized for his mastery of carbonic maceration but has more recently moved away from this technique to highlight the fruit and terroir more directly.

Notable Wines

Calek’s wines are sought after for their purity, freshness, and energy. Some of his most celebrated cuvées include:

  • A Toi Nous – A blend of Grenache and Syrah

  • Babiole – Made from Grenache Noir and Syrah

  • Chatons de Garde – A varietal Syrah

  • Pénultième – A Merlot-based red

  • Blanc – A white blend of Chardonnay and Viognier

Each wine is produced with minimal intervention, allowing the character of the grapes and soil to speak clearly.

Cultural Impact and Availability

Andrea Calek’s wines have developed a cult following, with distribution throughout Europe, the U.S., and Japan. His personality—equal parts iconoclast and artisan—has made him an influential figure in the natural wine movement.

If you're able to find a bottle, expect a vibrant, honest expression of grape and place—unfiltered, often unlabelled, and unmistakably Calek.

 

Where to Find Andrea Calek Wines

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your best resource for finding retailers globally.** Search for "Andrea Calek" to find various merchants listing their wines and compare prices. Given his cult status, stock can be very limited.
MORE Natural Wine (Online, Ships EU) A leading online retailer specializing in natural wines, based in Berlin, Germany. They frequently stock Andrea Calek wines and ship across the EU.
MYSA Natural Wine (Online, Ships US) A prominent online retailer for natural wines in the US, often featuring various Andrea Calek cuvées.
Lieu-Dit (Online, Ships EU) A Danish online shop focused on natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, offering Andrea Calek wines with EU delivery.
More Than Wine (Switzerland, Online & Retail) A Swiss-based natural wine specialist that often carries Andrea Calek wines. Given your location in Switzerland, this is a strong local option.
Gourmet Hunters (Spain, Online, Ships EU) A Spanish online retailer that has carried Andrea Calek wines and ships within the EU.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)

Andrea Calek's wines are distributed globally through a network of specialized importers who champion authentic natural wines. Availability will depend on your region and the specific importer/retailer's access to his limited production.

  • **United States (Key Importers/Distributors):**
    • **Jenny & Francois Selections:** A major and highly respected importer of natural wines in the US. They are a primary importer for Andrea Calek. Check their website to see their distribution partners by state.
    • **High Hopes Wine Co.:** Listed as a distributor of Andrea Calek wines, indicating presence in some US markets.
    • **Savio Soares Selections:** Also listed as a US importer.
    • **T Edward Wines:** Another prominent importer in the US.
    • **Seagrape Wines & Spirits (New York, NY):** An example of a US retailer that frequently carries Calek wines.
    • **Thirst Merchants (Online, US):** A curated online natural wine shop that has offered Calek wines.
    • *Contact these importers directly or check their "where to buy" pages for specific retailers in your state.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Gergovie Wines (Importer/Retailer):** A key UK importer for Andrea Calek wines. Many independent natural wine shops across the UK would source from them.
    • **Highbury Library (London, UK):** An example of a UK retailer that has carried Andrea Calek.
    • *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in major UK cities.*
  • **Canada:**
    • **Juice Imports (Alberta, BC):** An importer of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, lists Andrea Calek.
    • **Dieu du Vin (Quebec/Ontario):** Has carried Andrea Calek wines.
    • *Check with local natural wine-focused importers and shops in your province.*
  • **France (Ardeche & Beyond):**
    • While direct purchases from the winery might be limited to appointments, natural wine bars (caves à manger) and specialized wine shops across France will often carry Andrea Calek's wines.
    • **Marée Haute (Online, France):** Has listed Andrea Calek wines.
    • **Vinnouveau.fr, JusdelaVigne (Online, France):** Examples of French online retailers.
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, South Korea):**
    • **Wine Shop Salut (Japan):** Has carried Andrea Calek wines.
    • **AWINE Seoul (South Korea):** Has also listed Calek wines.
    • *Natural wine scenes are growing in Asia, so specialized importers there will often bring in Calek.*
  • **Independent Natural Wine Shops & Restaurants:**
    • *Your best strategy is to visit or call high-quality, independent wine shops and natural wine bars/restaurants.* They are the most likely to curate wines from iconic natural producers like Andrea Calek.