Octave 2018

Octave takes its name from the eight terraces its vines occupy on and around Mount Karvounis, and it is the most transparent wine in the Sous le Végétal range: a gentle direct press, no skins, nothing in the way. Jason Ligas and Patrick Bouju farm these plots biodynamically on schist, quartz and limestone, rebuilding the slopes through permaculture and treating the vines with herbs rather than chemistry. Fermentation is spontaneous, in amphora and concrete, which broadens the palate and softens the savoury edge this grape can carry. Chalky and salt-washed, with sun-baked citrus and stone fruit and a long mineral finish. Muscat blanc à petits grains as a wine of place, dry and refreshing rather than sweet.