Patrick Bouju’s desire to become a winemaker is founded in his love of nature, a passion for wine, and a sulphite intolerance that he discovered during his student days. During his military service he met a number of natural winemakers who only served to fuel this fire and, in 2004, Patrick created Domaine La Bohème. Together with his partner Justine Loiseau, Patrick works with local, almost forgotten grape varieties grown largely on volcanic soil, along with some limestone and clay. Some of these vineyards are ancient, pre-phylloxera even: vines that survived the epidemic of the 1800s when a species of lice decimated Europe’s vineyards. They farm approximately 8 hectares here in Auvergne, with different plots spread across several communes and a range of grape varieties. Another 1.5 hectares of vines in South Beaujolais complete the domaine. As well as their own wines, Patrick and Justine make a négoce line, created in 2014 after a run of poor harvests. Erratic weather resulting from climate change along with intense damage from Suzuki fly led to huge losses in the vineyard, and the couple had to look to other winegrowers for substitute grapes. Travels across France and as far as Greece came with the silver lining of fascinating characters and grape varieties different to those in Auvergne, and the winery became an exciting laboratory with plenty of room for creativity. These cuvées have proved increasingly popular, showcasing the talent of these vignerons through their creation of vivid wines.
Môl 2021 is a blend of 6 grape varieties, mainly from the south of France. Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault, Muscat d’Alexandrie and Gamay are all vinified separately, aged in fiberglass and steel tanks, and blended together before bottling. This vintage has plenty of dark fruit to it; blackcurrant and blackberries meet with a note of cedarwood and a touch of herbs. Light yet complex, it’s best drunk within a couple of hours for optimal freshness. A great match for spare ribs with barbecue sauce. Enjoy around 14°.