Loulou 2023

Jean-Benoît Goulabert, from the Domaine du Chamounet in Lozère, is a passionate winemaker situated on the outskirts of the Cévennes. He cultivates a variety of hybrid grape varieties on trellises, such as baco, clinton, souvignier gris, and floréal, while also experimenting with the vinification of more classic grape varieties like serine, grenache noir, and grenache gris, which he sources from a friend in the Gard region. Long criticized, hybrid grape varieties are the result of crossbreeding European vines (Vitis Vinifera) with American vines (Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Riparia). These hybrids offer increased resistance to diseases affecting vineyards and present unique organoleptic profiles, with aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry, as well as a remarkable balance between body and acidity. The estate's white wines are all produced through maceration, to varying degrees, and pair perfectly with spicy cuisine, particularly Asian. However, the best way to discover the estate is to taste these wines for what they are: true vinous oddities to be shared among enthusiasts, to explore new perspectives and consider the return of these grape varieties, especially in the context of climate change and the wine industry crisis. Jean-Benoît Goulabert has also begun planting old 'franc de pied' varieties since 2015, carefully observing and monitoring their development. Among these varieties are early ripening grape varieties such as Baco Blanc, Léon Millot, Marechal Foch, Clinton, and Isabelle, as well as more recent varieties like Souvignier Gris, Artaban, and Floréal. Wines that we discovered in February 2025 and that we REALLY enjoyed!