100% Gamay

Sextant is the project of Julien Altaber, a negociant winemaker based in Saint-Aubin, Burgundy. For Julien, Sextant is about “Special cuvées, pet nats, skins, fun and non-traditional wines”. The cellar is seen as a place to experiment and create, rather than only making terroir-based wines with big appellation names.

Originally from the Auvergne, Julien Altaber started his career at the side of Dominique Derain in Saint-Aubin. Keen to produce his own cuvées, the two struck a deal whereby Julien would continue to help Dominique - all the while learning his trade - and in return he would help Julien source fruit and loan him the use of his cellar to produce his wines. In 2009, he purchased a 90-year old Aligoté parcel on Puligny; and he works with several organic growers in the Cotes de Beaune and Cotes Chalonnaise for parcels of fruit. A little Gamay and Pinot Gris coming from Beaujolais as well.

Julien’s Metisse cuvee is made with Gamay from Patrick Besson in Beaujolais. Half the grapes are macerated whole bunch for 10 days and half are direct pressed into old barrels for 6 months. This is a very fun and fresh wine with a high acid and drive. A wine for anytime and anywhere!

Tasting notes : Bright, energetic palate with crunchy red fruits.

Food pairing : Pâté-en-Croûte for lunch !