This is the criterion of what it means to be a zero-zero (nothing added at all, not even SO2) wine. Utterly drinkable, precise, full of life. From the master of Gamay himself, Michel Guignier is working his Vaux-Renard vineyard with just his trusty horse. On the edge of a forest, this vineyard is teeming with life and bio-diversity. La R'Vole is deeper and darker with juicy ripe blackberry, forest floor and delicate tannins. No need to rely on the luck of the draw, this is always a good choice.

Michel Guignier

Michel farms a small property near the village of Vauxrenard in the Beaujolais with about 7 hectares under vine. 

Michel believes passionately in biodiversity and soil quality and his vines are dotted through his farm which sits in the middle of the forests that surround the village of Vauxrenard. Michel’s property is a small oasis surrounded by forest on all sides.

As well as vegetables and an orchard, including grains, Michel also farms beef cattle, which share grazing space with his draft horse Bistère, who he works with in the vines. He prepares all his own compost which helps to keep his soils full of life and energy, as do his biodynamic practices. He credits Christian Ducroux for pointing him in this direction which is quite different from the cultivation methods his father used.