René-Jean Dard and François Ribo started with 1 hectare of vines in Croze-Hermitage back in 1984. They now farm (organically) a whopping 7.5 acres.

The philosophy is simple: along with meticulous farming Dard &... Read More

René-Jean Dard and François Ribo started with 1 hectare of vines in Croze-Hermitage back in 1984. They now farm (organically) a whopping 7.5 acres.

The philosophy is simple: along with meticulous farming Dard & Ribo use a very light touch, basically "hands-off" style, in the cellar. They believe Syrah can be fresh, elegant, and eminently drinkable. This is in fairly stark contrast to the powerful, tannic and dark fruited wines of their neighbors -- wines that can be backwards for years.

Dard & Ribo is all about bright, light red fruits and savory earth. There's a lovely hint of salinity to many of their wines that perfectly balances the juicy, fruit forward nature they strive for. It's a style that is above all meant to be drunk and enjoyed among friends.

And that's exactly what you'll find at the multitude of natural wine bars in Paris: Parisians guzzling Dard & Ribo! Too bad they drink so much there, close to the source, that not much makes it as far as the States.