Olivier Pithon 'Mon P'tit Pithon Rouge'

Blend: 34% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, 33% Syrah

ABV: 13%

Soil: limestone & schist

Story: Olivier Pithon is no stranger to the vines. His older brother, Jo Pithon, settled in the hills of Layon when he was just four years old. It was here that Olivier first found himself frolicking amongst fruit, as well as playing around in the cellar. Olivier began tending vines his family’s vines at the young age of 14. Craving a deeper experience and a broader expansion of his winemaking knowledge, Olivier left the Loire for Bordeaux four years later, which led him to other internships in Jurancon and Beaujolais. Olivier’s time in Bordeaux led him to meet Stéphane Derenoncourt, a self-taught winemaker to whom Olivier credits much or his winemaking style and inspiration. Olivier was immediately taken by Stéphane’s pursuit of balance, lightness and a simple job well done, all inspired by passion and creativity. “These are things they do not teach you at school,” says Olivier. In the year 2000, Olivier began searching for a place to call his own. He was immediately attracted by Calce, a small village in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Today, Olivier is proud to farm 8.5 hectares of vines all biodynamically, as he believes this is the best way to respect the natural resources given to him by Mother Earth. His vines are rooted into schist and limestone soils at high elevations, which lead to concentrated and healthy fruit that immensely reflect the place from which it comes.

Personality: Aromas of juicy plum and black cherry move seamlessly to the palate, which is textured and bright with a subtle pop of citrus (think orange peel) as well as a dose of savory herbal notes.

Harmony: A crunchy, chillable, thirst-quenching red is begging for a picnic spread with friends on a sunny day, spread that charcuterie board wide.