Domaine de La Baladeuse
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Domaine de La Baladeuse 〰️
In the heart of Southern France, Domaine de La Baladeuse is redefining the art of winemaking with its natural, terroir-driven wines. Founded in 2019 by winemaker Fanny Daher, the estate has quickly become a beacon of authenticity and creativity in the world of natural wines. "La Baladeuse" – meaning "The Wanderer" – reflects Fanny’s approach to winemaking, one that is rooted in exploration and a deep connection to the land.
The Winemaker: Fanny Daher
Fanny Daher’s journey into the world of natural winemaking began at Domaine Sulauze, a respected winery in Aix-en-Provence run by her cousin, Guillaume Lefèvre. It was here that she honed her craft and developed a deep understanding of organic and biodynamic farming practices. Her experiences at Domaine Sulauze, combined with collaborations with other like-minded producers across the region, inspired her to create Domaine de La Baladeuse.
Her philosophy is one of minimal intervention, focusing on natural fermentation and preserving the true character of the grapes. This hands-off approach allows the wines to fully express the unique terroirs and grape varieties from which they are made.
The Wines: Diverse and Expressive
Domaine de La Baladeuse produces a wide range of natural wines, from reds to whites, rosés, and even sparkling and orange wines. Each bottle tells a story of the land, the vines, and the seasons in which the grapes are grown.
Red Wines
Atchika Boum: A vibrant blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Vermentino, and Ugni Blanc. This wine is a playful mix of fruit-forward flavors with a hint of spice.
L’Étourdie: A bold Syrah-based wine that captures the essence of the Rhône Valley, offering an expressive and deep flavor profile.
Copinages & Crustacés: A tribute to the maritime influences of the region, this wine blends Picpoul and Terret Bouret, offering a unique coastal character.
White Wines
La Pétillante: A refreshing sparkling wine made from Ugni Blanc, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc. The light bubbles and crisp finish make it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Orange Wines
Bombe Achromique: A skin-contact wine made from Ugni Blanc and Grenache Blanc, offering complexity and depth, showcasing the potential of orange wines in Southern France.
Sustainable Practices in the Vineyard
Domaine de La Baladeuse’s vineyards are cultivated using organic and biodynamic methods, ensuring that the wines not only reflect the best of the region but are also produced with the utmost respect for the environment. Fanny Daher works closely with local growers, ensuring that all vineyard practices align with the values of sustainability and biodiversity. This holistic approach to farming is central to the estate’s philosophy and results in wines that are both pure and expressive of their terroir.
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Altrovino (Belgium): Features La Baladeuse by Fanny Daher, highlighting her approach. They ship within Belgium and likely to other EU countries.
La Volat (France): A French natural wine retailer that specifically lists Fanny Daher - La Baladeuse, with wines like "Copinages et Crustacés" and "Si la lune." They offer delivery within France and potentially other EU countries (check their shipping policy).
Wine Chateau (USA): Appears to carry "La Baladeuse Copinages/Crustaces Blanc." They ship within the USA.
Saratoga Wine Exchange (USA): Lists "La Baladeuse Copinages & Crustaces Blanc" and "La Baladeuse La Petillante." They ship within the USA.
Grand Wine Cellar (USA): Also lists "La Baladeuse Copinages & Crustaces." They offer pickup and delivery within the USA.
Leon & Son Wine and Spirits (USA - New York): This natural wine focused retailer has carried "La Baladeuse Copinages/Crustaces Blanc VDF." They ship to some US states.
VinoNueva Fine & Rare Wine (Miami, USA): Mentions "La Baladeuse - Si La Lune" in their red wine collection, indicating they stock the producer. They ship within the US.
https://vinonueva.com/collections/red/provence (You'll need to search their site or browse collections)
Natural Wine Dealers (Online - Ships to Austria, Germany, and most other European countries): This online shop focuses on natural wines and might carry La Baladeuse. Use their search function.
RAW WINE (Exhibitor List): As Fanny Daher is part of the natural wine scene, she may exhibit at RAW WINE fairs. Their producer profiles can sometimes list distributors.
https://www.rawwine.com/ (Search for La Baladeuse)
Vivino (International - Lists availability from various merchants): A good resource to see specific wines from La Baladeuse and often links to online shops where they are currently sold.