WTN: Real Wine from Champagne & VdPd*oc

I don't like to talk about Biodynamic wines because I find the anti-scientific, anti-rational, lunatic ideology behind the the movement disagreeable. Yet I'm not convinced of the term "natural" wine either, because no wine really is natural - it is a manufactured product. So perhaps I will adopt Dressner's (?) term: Real Wine.

Today I tried two recent arrivals of Real Wine from the wonderful (and well named) importer, Funky Wine Imports.

José Michel Brut Rosé NV 22,80€ from a half

50/50 Meunier and Pinot Noir. Quite a deep pink. Wonderfully earthy scent - like in all other Meuniers and strongly Meuniered Champagnes I have tried. Quite vegetal, too, and red in fruit so it smells like an earthy red Burgundy. Elegant mousse. Richish but crisp. Fun. And serious, too.

(d.) de Blanes Vin de Pays d'Oc "Le Clot" 2008 13,5% abv; c.14€



Unlike previous years that have been blends, the 2008 is 100% Syrah. Awesome wine! Lovely meaty/gamy and mineral dark fruit aromas. Full bodied, but lively and light on its feet. Refreshing structure, though not very high in acidity. Who knew that Syrah in such warm areas could be so pure?