Les Enfants Sauvages Che Chauvio

Nikolaus and Carolin Bantlin originally came from Germany but fell in love with the south of France, rock climbing and biking on holidays. They discovered a large sheep pasture in Fitou, France with a small number of vines around that inspired them to start making wines. Nikolaus has been studying anthroposophy for a long time and had worked on biodynamic farms after studying at one of Rudolf Steiner’s schools in Germany. So the conversion to organic in 2001 was very smooth and they released their first vintage in 2003 with access to Olivier Pithon’s cellar. 2004 marked a new phase for Les Enfants Sauvages; their craft winery was ready for full production and 9 hectares of vines had come to maturity.

The vineyards at Les Enfants Sauvages are hidden by the surrounding garigue and with no neighbors in sight. The only threat is the overgrowth of vegetation, as well as wild pigs that are kept out of the vineyards by kilometers of stone walls that the Bantlin’s built. But with the vibrant growth around the vineyard, beneficial insects and birds naturally maintain the pest populations.

Freshness and finesse are the key terms at Les Enfants Sauvages. The wines are never over-extracted as there is no pumping and only gentle handling of fruit and wines. This means the wines are full of energy and very approachable. The freshness is due in part to their proximity to the Mediterranean five kilometers away. Then there is the ripeness levels. Goblet pruning protects the clusters and ensures that the berries achieve an even ripeness and never get cooked by the sun and lose their natural acidity. This is all key because Les Enfants Sauvages never adds to their wines except a small amount of sulfites.

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This wine has a deep and intense color, with aromas of dark fruit such as blackberry and black cherry, combined with hints of spice and a touch of smokiness. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a rich and layered texture. The fruit flavors are intense and juicy, with notes of blackberry and black cherry, as well as a hint of dark chocolate and vanilla. The tannins are firm and provide structure, while the acidity is balanced, keeping the wine fresh and lively.

This is a well-crafted wine that showcases the power and elegance of the Che Chauvio vineyard. Its intense fruit flavors and rich texture make it a perfect match for hearty meat dishes, such as grilled steak or slow-roasted lamb, and strong cheeses. Enjoy it now or cellar it for a few years to allow the wine to further develop its complexity.