2020 La Sorga Pierre Joseph

WINEMAKER: Anthony Tortul
REGION: Languedoc, FR
VARIETAL: Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

Another astounding powerhouse orange wine from natural wine enfant prodige Anthony Tortul, this comes from organic and biodynamic grapes of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon from vines near Languedoc’s Bezenas, some of which are rather old and were saved by Anthony from oblivion. It sees only wild fermentation, with about 40 days of skin contact in whole bunches, and no intrusive and demeaning fining, filtration or added SO2. A veritable event horizon of depth, freshness and explosive personality: smoked butternut squash with candied ginger, saffron honey and baked nashi pear with rosemary.

Antony Tortul started La Sorga in 2008 as a pure négociant in Languedoc-Roussillon, sourcing organic or biodynamic grapes from old vineyards from Gaillac to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Languedoc being his favourite vinous playground. Antony is extremely rigorous in his selection of vineyards and is always looking for exceptional terroirs. He works with over 40 vineyards of different soils, grape varieties and vine ages (between 25 to 110 years old) ... little wonder that he produces so many labels (and I only import a few of them!) Antony vinifies in his cellar in Béziers, with only wild fermentation, no fining or filtration nor added SO2.