The Loire Valley continues to be a canvas for creativity. La Porte Saint Jean uses 6 different varieties of rose petals from the family’s organic rose farm during the maceration process of this sparkler. The results are a highly aromatic floral bouquet that hovers over a crisp layer of raspberries and underripe strawberries that finishes with a refreshing touch of hibiscus. This is a truly unique and limited experience with only 85 cases produced.

Armed with formal schooling, and “un-training” from some of the best natural winemakers in France, Sylvain Dittière struck out on his own in 2010, at the ripe age of 25. He began with a 2.5 ha parcel of Cab Franc that had already been farmed organically and a gem of a jurassic cellar that enables him to work without temperature regulation and by gravity. He has added a couple single parcels, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, and experiments with sparkling and oxidative wines as well. He works with minimal yields, native yeast fermentations, ages in barrel, and doesn't sulfur until bottling.