La Sorga Chuck Pet Nat 2018

Chuck is a pétillant naturel from Anthony Tortul of La Sorga, made from 100% Gamay sourced from organically farmed vines in the Languedoc. The wine is labeled as Vin de France, giving Tortul the freedom to work with Gamay, a grape not native to the south of France. Bubbles are created naturally in the bottle using the ancestral method: the wine is bottled before fermentation completes, trapping CO2 without any dosage or added sulfites.

Tortul works as a négociant-vigneron, sourcing grapes exclusively from organic or biodynamic parcels across the Languedoc and beyond, with soils ranging from clay-limestone and schist to basalt and sand depending on the parcel. All vinifications at La Sorga use only spontaneous (wild yeast) fermentation with no fining, no filtration, and zero sulfite additions. The Chuck label is a nod to Chuck Norris, in keeping with Tortul's irreverent approach to labeling.

In the glass, this is a light-bodied, bone-dry sparkling red with fine bubbles, flavors of fresh strawberry and tart red fruit, and a slightly tannic, mineral finish. It drinks like a cold, lively Gamay with a gentle fizz — no sweetness, no heaviness. Serve well-chilled and drink soon after opening.