Region: Rhône Valley (Northern Rhône / Visan & Cornas), France
Grapes: 100% Roussanne
Notes: White peach, honeysuckle, yellow apple, lemon verbena, fresh apricot, and crushed granite, with vibrant balancing acidity, a silky, coated mouthfeel, and a clean, bone-dry, saline-mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted chicken with tarragon, grilled trout, creamy goat cheese, wild mushroom risotto, or seared scallops
The Producer
Matthieu Barret, head of Domaine du Coulet in Cornas, is one of the Northern Rhône’s most visionary biodynamic growers. Recognizable by his iconic bear logo (symbolizing his nickname "Petit Ours"), Barret took over his family's vineyards in 1998 and immediately transitioned the entirety of the estate to organic and certified biodynamic viticulture. In both the vineyard and cellar, Barret rejects wooden barrels, preferring concrete eggs, clay amphorae, and stainless steel tanks to keep the wines vibrant and uncluttered by oak. Winemaking follows strict natural principles: spontaneous fermentations driven by ambient yeasts, no chemical additives, no fining, no filtration, and minimal or no sulfur additions.
The Wine
"Petit Ours Blanc" ("Little Bear White") is Barret's buoyant, energetic entrance to Northern Rhône whites. Sourced from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards on granite and limestone soils, the hand-picked fruit undergoes a gentle whole-cluster press followed by spontaneous fermentation using native wild yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete eggs and stainless steel vats. Aged on fine lees without oak influence, the 2025 vintage balances Roussanne's natural golden orchard fruit and floral richness with a electric, granite-driven minerality and a mouthwatering, crisp finish.
Region: Rhône Valley (Northern Rhône / Visan & Cornas), France
Grapes: 100% Roussanne
Notes: White peach, honeysuckle, yellow apple, lemon verbena, fresh apricot, and crushed granite, with vibrant balancing acidity, a silky, coated mouthfeel, and a clean, bone-dry, saline-mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted chicken with tarragon, grilled trout, creamy goat cheese, wild mushroom risotto, or seared scallops
The Producer
Matthieu Barret, head of Domaine du Coulet in Cornas, is one of the Northern Rhône’s most visionary biodynamic growers. Recognizable by his iconic bear logo (symbolizing his nickname "Petit Ours"), Barret took over his family's vineyards in 1998 and immediately transitioned the entirety of the estate to organic and certified biodynamic viticulture. In both the vineyard and cellar, Barret rejects wooden barrels, preferring concrete eggs, clay amphorae, and stainless steel tanks to keep the wines vibrant and uncluttered by oak. Winemaking follows strict natural principles: spontaneous fermentations driven by ambient yeasts, no chemical additives, no fining, no filtration, and minimal or no sulfur additions.
The Wine
"Petit Ours Blanc" ("Little Bear White") is Barret's buoyant, energetic entrance to Northern Rhône whites. Sourced from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards on granite and limestone soils, the hand-picked fruit undergoes a gentle whole-cluster press followed by spontaneous fermentation using native wild yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete eggs and stainless steel vats. Aged on fine lees without oak influence, the 2025 vintage balances Roussanne's natural golden orchard fruit and floral richness with a electric, granite-driven minerality and a mouthwatering, crisp finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.