A shapeshifter in terms of its exact blend each vintage. Danslezetoiles is Jean-Louis’ fresh, light, and high acid red that’s meant as a vibrant and energetic drink. Sometimes a variety of up to 5 or 6 reds with a splash of white, 2022 is a 50/50 blend of Cinsault and Pinot Noir from different terroirs. Cinsault from schist soils in Berlou, Saint-Chinian, and Pinot from clay-limestone soils in Limoux. Co-macerated whole cluster for 15 days and aged for 6 months in sandstone amphora. Tart and crunchy berry driven fruit. Dark in tone but very bright in acid. Light red in color, the palate is lifted by a little cut of volatility that amplifies everything. Mixed berry, scrubby herbs and a touch of dusty earth.

Es d'Aqui

Jean-Louis Pinto is a micro-negociant based near Limoux and working out of a small cellar beneath his family home. A longtime friend of Anthony Tortul of La Sorga, he shares Anthony’s commitment to only work with fruit from organic and biodynamic vineyards (Remi Poujol amongst the growers he works with), and similarly, his work in the cellar is minimal, with no sulfur added to any of the cuvées.

There’s no one set of rules that can be applied year-over-year to the wines that come out of the Es d’Aqui cellar, but Jean-Louis has an incredible palate and, like us, he values freshness, ripe fruit, and drinkability. His magic touch results in some of the most attention-grabbing wines we have to offer.