Les Enfants Sauvages Cotes Catalanes Rouge Enfant Sauvage 2021

Named after the Doors “Wild Child,” les Enfants Sauvages is the brainchild of Nikolaus and Carolin Bantlin. Originally from Germany, the duo settled in a tiny town in southern France and immediately began working organically and biodynamically with a small number of vines they found on the property. Their approach has always been minimal intervention. Now with nine hectares of mature vines cared for in part by their farm animals, they produce truly wild wines bursting with character.

Don’t be put off by the first whiff of this blend of 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, and 20% Mourvèdre. The reductive aroma will blow off soon after pouring to reveal crunchy red fruit with a cherry jolly rancher twist. It’s balanced by aromas of dried thyme and soft rose. On the palate it’s a complex, evocative mix of that cherry jolly rancher, garden soil, and herbs with a grippy tannin and medium body. This wine would pair incredibly with grilled foods.