Small production, big energy!

Long, athletic figure. Gavroche cap screwed on his head. Frank smile and bright eyes. Antoine Petitprez is a fast talker. The man exudes energy and activity. So much so that it's hard to imagine him sitting down. In fact, on this Monday, October 14, he's standing behind his barrel. The sun is shining in Fontaines, a small village in the Saône et Loire region, which is hosting the second edition of the excellent Les Zinzins du Comptoir trade show. Among the winemakers we absolutely had to meet and taste, Antoine Petitprez was right at the top of our list. Already last year, we were very enthusiastic at the Aligoteurs tasting, where Antoine's Aligoté came out the winner with our own little slap. We were waiting for confirmation. We got it.

After traveling the world and gaining all the experience he needed in California, Canada, Roussillon and Savoie, Antoine Petitprez finally returned to his native Burgundy (he's from Chablis) to settle in Pommard. On his 2 hectares of biodynamically farmed land, he produces wines aged for 18 to 22 months. With whole bunches, delicate macerations and sulfur-free vinification, Antoine accompanies his wines without rushing them, taking them where he wants them to go.

This tasting was simply perfect. The Aligoté "Vieille Craque" once again impressed us with its volume and sharp structure. The Bourgogne Blanc "La Combe" 2022 is in the same vein, pure pleasure. On the red side, the cuvée "Roue libre" 2022 is an obvious choice. An immediate, direct, jovial wine. Burgundy "Les Sorbins" 2022 takes on shoulders, volume and coats the palate with a velvety feel. And finally, the two very big guns of the tasting. The first is a 2019 that has taken its time to blossom. It's a superb pinot noir from a beautiful vineyard in Chorey Les Beaune. 100% whole harvest. We're not far from shedding a tear. It finally came with the next wine. Les Carrelles 2022. Antoine's signature wine. A vineyard that holds a special place in his heart. 87-year-old vines located on the lower slopes of Pommard. A juice of incredible energy. Length, finish, grain, mouthfeel. It's got it all. Crap... we forgot to spit. We'll even hold out the glass a second time.