After enjoying a beautiful time together at their place in the Hérault last summer, we can finally share a couple of new wines from Nathalie and Étienne of Les Petites Mises.
Nathalie and Étienne’s farm consists of four hectares of vines hidden amongst woodlands in Quarante, a tiny village northwest of Béziers. Having developed an interest in the kind of wines we love in 2017 they decided to settle here, drawn to the region’s natural beauty, characterful grape varieties and unique terroir.
The vines are planted over clay and limestone. The oldest are over a hundred years old and have been farmed organically for almost thirty years. The two work with a real attention to detail in the vineyards, which are treated only with a little copper and sulphur, along with herbal teas and essential oils.
The grapes are harvested early in the morning, destemmed by hand in the afternoon and fermented in cuve. Once fermentation is finished, they are given a gentle press to either glass demijohns or large ceramic jars to rest. Exercising great patience, Nathalie and Étienne bottle the wines in small lots only when they feel they are ready, by gravity and with no additions.
Though very much southern in spirit, Nathalie and Etienne’s wines carry a rare sense of clarity and focus. Built on a backbone of pristine fruit, they offer a unique vision of grape and place.
Nathalie and Étienne’s wines are available on Tutto a Casa