Valentin Létoquart is one of the southern Rhone’s most exciting young producers. Disillusioned by seeing his hard work in the vineyard lost in the bottle Val decided to break away from the Cooperative he was growing for and in 2013 Val de Combrès was born. Valentin now manages 7ha of certified biodynamic vines in Oppède and Ménerbes, in the heart of Luberon southeastern Rhone Valley. Val has always been a farmer and got into winemaking from the farming side. For him, if everything were in harmony in the vineyard surely, it wouldn’t be too hard to translate that into the bottle. He worked for five years as part of a cooperative vineyard group but became upset when the grapes he was growing organically got blended into large Rhone blends, never allowing the plots to show their uniqueness and terroir. So in 2013, he decided to break away and lease his own plots. Now with the help of his neighbour’s horse, he manages his vineyard under strict biodynamic management, preferring the use of herbal teas to copper and sulphur. He reintroduced animals onto his vineyards and each year a herd comes down from the Alps to graze the winter on the plots, providing natural mowing and great compost. All of his vineyards are vinified separately with natural yeast and without added sulphites, done to fully express their difference of terroir. Val is passionate about using local variety’s so Grenache, Syrah and Carignan for reds and rosé, Roussanne and Gros vert for whites. He prefers to ferment in concrete to keep purity and age all of his wines in old French oak. His wines are bright, clean and joyful. After spending the last 4 vintages as a nomadic winemaker Val found a small site less than 3kms from his vineyards where he has built a small cellar and tasting room. 2018 was his first vintage in the new space and he is delighted with the results.
All of the estate's wines are made from grapes that are grown organically, vinified by ambient yeasts, and are sulphite-free, bottled by gravity, without fining or filtration. Val is deeply committed to ethical farming and truly believes in the uniqueness of the wines of Luberon. His wines are pure and profoundly reflect the earth they are from. We are so excited to these wines are here.
AS WITH ALL OUR PRODUCERS, WE WILL BE DONATING PART OF THE PROCEEDS FROM SALES TO A NON-PROFIT CLOSE TO OUR HEART. FOR VAL DE COMBRES, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO DONATE TO THE EDMONTON SYMPHONY/CALGARY PHILHARMONIC. PLEASE CHECK THEM OUT.
LES QUILLES DE JOIE 2019
70% Syrah 30% Grenache
13.5% ABV
This blend of Grenache (70%) and Syrah (30%) typifies what Valentin strives to make. Typically Luberon in its rustic tannins, bright fruit and elegance. This is deeper than a classic Cote de Rhone style and offers incredible value for money.
5000 bottles produced.
Vinification method: hand harvested; A blend of Grenache and syrah, 70% destemmed, 30% whole bunches. Whole clusters, 30 day maceration with temperature control, and 1 year aging in barrels. This vintage, like the previous vintages, is a wine that is complex and generous. This vintage is also characterized by its freshness, and a nice balance and elegance.
Ambient yeast; no fining, filtration or SO2.
tasting notes:
On the nose: A beautiful burst of cherries, licorice and clove.
On the palate: Cherries, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco.
SKU: 849946 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, foil-wrapped cork
L’IVRESSE DES PROFONDEURS 2020
45% Cabernet Franc 30% Grenache 25% Syrah
13.5% ABV
6000 bottles produced
Vinification method: hand harvested; Short 2-day maceration in a closed press for Grenache and Cabernet. Syrah are vinified separately, in whole bunches.
Ambient yeast; no fining, filtration or SO2.
tasting notes:
On the nose: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, green pepper.
On the palate: A pop of red fruit, blood orange and green peppercorn.
SKU: 849947 | 12 to a case | 750ml, glass, foil wrapped cork
LES VACANCES 2020
50% Carignan 50% Grenache
13% ABV
6000 bottles produced
Vinification method: hand harvested; Carignan in whole clusters, Grenache in direct press.
Ambient yeast; no fining, filtration or SO2.
tasting notes:
Incredibly “glou-glou” this wine is ridiculously easy to drink, and tastes delicious slightly chilled.
On the nose: strawberries, cranberries, cinnamon and star anise
On the palate: A joyful burst of juicy red fruit- cranberries, raspberries, plums and the smallest hint of baking spices.
SKU: 849950 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, foil with cork
LA LUMIÈRE 2020
100% Syrah
13% ABV
2500 bottles produced
Vinification method: Hand harvested; short maceration this year for the Syrah to keep the wine light and floral. Ambient yeast; no fining, filtration or SO2.
tasting notes:
On the nose: Like being in the fresh fruit section at the super-marché- berries, plums galore, with the slightest hint of green peppercorn.
On the palate: A mélange of fresh blueberries, chocolate, plums and slight notes of tobacco.
SKU: 849952 | 12 to a case | 750 ml, glass, foil with cork
GHOST IN ZE BOTTLE 2019
50% Grenache 50% Gros Vert
13% ABV
5000 bottles produced
Vinification method: Direct press, with temperature control, bottled at 25 g of sugar per liter; then 3 months sur lattes. It is then disgorged in January, then spends another 3 months sur lattes.
Beautiful mouthfeel, with generous bubbles.
Gros-vert, an iconic old grape variety from Provence, takes over mid-palate with a phenomenal brightness.
In the glass: Light amber
On the nose: Super fresh citrus, and floral notes.
On the palate: Blood orange, white blossom, and hints of sourdough. A lovely medium effervescence that is both extremely refreshing and easy to drink.
SKU: 833688 | 6 to a case | 750 ml, glass, foil with cork