Drôle d'Oiseau 2021

Drôle d'oiseau is the French way of saying something's an "odd duck," and this wine is certainly a curio. It's a lightly sparkling red with a hint of residual sweetness made from the heirloom Bouchalès grape.  Perfect for fall aperitif!⁠

Region: Dordogne
Grape(s): Bouchalès (Grappu)
ABV: 10%

About the domaine: Benoit Périssé and Leïla Lare are making some of the most exciting, counter-culture wines in the Dordogne, a satellite zone of Bordeaux two hours east from the Atlantic.

The couple works mainly with Bordelais varietals, but their wines are not like any classic Bordeaux blends you’ve ever had. They also farm some grapes native to the region that have been long forgotten (vinified mostly as sparkling wines).

The cuvées range from free and easy drinking table wines to serious age-worthy Cabernet Franc and an elegant sous-voile Sauvignon Blanc.