Arnaud Combier Vents Contraires Skin Contact 2022

Arnaud Combier Vents Contraires Skin Contact 2022 is the work of Arnaud Combier, one of France's early pioneers of organic and low intervention winemaking. After studying viticulture and working in the Mâconnais and Chablis, Combier returned to his family's vineyards, where he spent more than a decade helping neighboring growers convert to organic farming. Today he also collaborates with François de Nicolay of Domaine Chandon de Briailles and renowned winemaker Jeff Carrel on a range of distinctive, naturally made wines that challenge conventional French appellation rules.

Vents Contraires is made from 100% soreli, a naturally disease resistant white grape developed in Italy from friulano. The organically farmed vines are planted on sandy clay soils and require little to no chemical treatment, making the variety well suited to sustainable viticulture. Rather than fitting neatly into a traditional appellation, the wine is bottled as Vin de France, reflecting the project's experimental spirit.

The grapes are destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks before spending about 15 days on their skins. The wine is then aged in a combination of stainless steel and large neutral foudre with only a minimal addition of sulfur before bottling. The result is an orange wine that emphasizes texture and freshness over oxidation or heaviness.

The 2022 vintage offers aromas of candied orange, apricot, peach, hazelnut, dried herbs, and crushed stone. The palate is broad and textured, with gentle tannins from skin contact balanced by lively acidity and a mineral driven finish. Distinctive yet approachable, it pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, Mediterranean cuisine, shellfish, hard cheeses, and vegetable dishes, making it an excellent introduction to the world of skin contact wines.