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Bruno Duchene Cote Vermeille Rouge “La Luna” 2024
Bruno Duchêne is a small-scale, cult-leaning natural winemaker based in the Banyuls/Collioure area of southern Roussillon, working dramatically steep vineyards along the Côte Vermeille. He started his domaine in 2002 and farms just ~4 hectares, mostly old-vine grenache with some carignan. The terrain is schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean; and is so rugged that much of the work is done by hand or even mule, which naturally limits yields and production (only about 7,000–10,000 bottles per year).
His philosophy is firmly in the natural wine camp: organic farming, very low intervention in the cellar, native yeasts, whole-cluster fermentations, and little to no added sulfur. Rather than extracting power, Duchêne aims for lighter, more “aerial” wines that contrast with the traditionally heavier style of Banyuls. The result is wines that emphasize freshness, drinkability, and texture over sheer concentration.
The Côte Vermeille Rouge “La Luna” 2024 is one of his core cuvées and a good entry point to his style. It’s essentially a field blend dominated by grenache (often including noir, gris, and blanc) with a smaller proportion of carignan, sourced from multiple hillside parcels. Fermentation is done with whole clusters, which adds lift and a slightly herbal, crunchy edge, and the wine is aged in a mix of neutral oak and stainless steel to balance structure and freshness.
In the glass, La Luna leans toward a vibrant, medium-bodied profile rather than a dense southern red. Expect bright red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry), floral and herbal notes, and a subtle saline/mineral finish that reflects its coastal origin. It’s often described as energetic and perfumed, with a lively texture and enough structure to feel serious without losing its easy-drinking charm.
Overall, this is a quintessential “natural Roussillon” wine: expressive, slightly wild, and very site-driven, but deliberately light on its feet. It’s the kind of bottle that works slightly chilled and shines more for its vibrancy and character than for power. Making it appealing both to natural wine enthusiasts and to drinkers looking for a fresher take on southern French reds.
