Domaine du Petit Oratoire ‘Vivant a Souvi’ Blanc 2020

Location: France, Rhône

Winemaker: Lori Haon

Grapes: Grenache Blanc, Viognier

Soil: white clay, sandstone

Winemaking: The fruit macerates together for 24 hours before pressing, cofermented for 2 weeks in concrete. No SO2.

‘Vivant a Souvi’: ‘Vivant a Souvi’ is a blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Viognier from his leased vineyards in Souvignargues, hand-harvested from vines planted to the famed ‘Grés’ soils. Shimmering, tangy, tropical and humid—drink with the first fresh peas of the season, or a fresh tomato gazpacho, or white asparagus and prosciutto.

From us at M&L: Before the age of 23, Lori Haon was doing wine apprenticeships in Burgundy, Alsace, and Champagne—and then, in 2016, he struck out on his own to find a small vineyard for his own winemaking. His father managed to find a 15-hectare estate, bid on it himself, and gave it to Lori, with the condition that Lori pay him back once he got his feet off the ground. Luckily, Lori was ready to jump in headfirst, even with a whole 15 hectares to start off his solo winemaking career!

Though his first three vintages were a struggle—the vines were attacked by wild boars, there was an unfortunate spring frost during a vintage, plus mildew during a following vintage—he’s proven to be a survivor, and by 2020 he had his first excellent year, with great vine yields and good weather. He currently farms up to 19 hectares in the commune of Valliguières, just a stone’s throw from Tavel, mostly on sandy soils with limestone bedrock and flaky limestone pebbles (very classic for Tavel), but also some 4 hectares in Souvignargues in the Gard, where the terroir shifts to the famed 'Grés’ soils (a mix of limestone, clay, and white clay). There is a beautiful microclimate here, with little river winding through the vineyards and mountains in the background bringing freshness and cooler breezes. Lori has also been converting the domaine to biodynamics, and is hoping to be certified in 2021.

At Domaine du Petit Oratoire, Lori chooses to cultivate many different varieties, only some of which include Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Riesling, Roussanne and Viognier. He enjoys playing with these different varietals, often cofermenting or experimenting with combinations of white and red grapes to create wines of refreshing and delicate energies. These are wines of sheer joy, gastronomy and pure soifness—we are so happy to welcome him to the shop. -Lennie