Michele Aubery-Laurent is the de facto matriarch of naturally made Grenache. Working alongside her son Maxime, the two are responsible for producing a range of wines that are testament to both organic and biodynamic farming, and very old school, hands off winemaking. The Domaine Gramenon, founded by Michele and her late husband in 1990, has become one of the most famous in the Southern Rhone in just 30 years.

Their secret is simple: they farm with passion (everything is sustainable and natural), and they allow the fruit from their mostly old vines to show pure, transparent terroir. Grenache is the star, though they produce a full range of Rhone varieties, and the Laurents have an almost magic ability to extract the perfect balance of joyous fruit, savory minerality, and snappy acidity that only the very best Grenache can achieve. 

We just received the 2019’s from this iconic domaine and it's a stellar vintage. The richness and power of the 2017 and 2018 vintages is tampered down a bit and is brightened up with some lovely structure and the core of salinity that plays perfectly against the ripe, red fruits. 

Along with the line up of domaine wines we also have a few of the wines that Maxime makes under his own label. The fruit is sourced from different vineyards, though they are all organic or biodynamic as well, and then made in the Gramenon cellar. The project allows Maxime to focus on some different blends and varieties, but the same commitment to producing natural, delicious and downright crushable wine.

Maxime-Francois Laurent, Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc “La Pantomine”, 2019 

50% Bourboulenc and 50% Grenache Blanc. Think that white Cotes-du-Rhone can’t be fresh, mineral and crisp . . . think again!

Maxime-Francois Laurent, Côtes-du-Rhône “Il Fait Soif”, 2019

Equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Every year this is one of our favorite natural wines to break open, and we are especially excited for the 2019. So juicy, silky and snappy we think of it as the Lapierre Morgon of the Rhone.

Domaine Gramenon, Côtes-du-Rhône "Poignée Raisins”, 2019

This cuvée is generally made from the younger Grenache vines and is always a super drinkable take on the domaine’s signature style.

Domaine Gramenon, Côtes-du-Rhône “La Belle Sortie”, 2019

From a small parcel that has more limestone and lacks the typical galets or large stones and gravel of the region. This leads to a more precise, lean take on Grenache.

Domaine Gramenon, Côtes-du-Rhône “Sierra du Sud”, 2019

One of the few releases from Gramenon that is 100% Syrah instead of Grenache. Deep, richly textured with classic notes of sauvage and white pepper.

Domaine Gramenon, Côtes-du-Rhône “La Sagesse”, 2019 $43.99 $37.99

50-70 year old Grenache vines. This is one of the most classic and expressive wines of the domaine, capturing perfectly what Michele and Maxime are able to achieve in the vineyard and cellar.