Bouysselet Orange Wine
Fronton, South-West France
While the Cauvin family is renowned for their mastery of Négrette, 'A Fleur de Peau' is a tribute to the rare and nearly extinct Bouysselet grape. This is a high-end orange wine that balances the natural power of the variety with a deep, contemplative texture. The name, meaning "at skin level," reflects the extended contact between the juice and the skins that gives this wine its striking amber hue.
The fruit is sourced from biodynamic vineyards in Villaudric, where the vines are planted in the unique "Tarn terraces" composed of gravel and sandy alluvial soils. The 2020 vintage captures the richness of the South-West sun while maintaining a vibrant mineral pulse.
The Bouysselet grapes underwent a 15-day maceration in 400L oak casks using indigenous yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was matured for 22 months in these same large-format barrels, allowing the tannins to integrate and the complex aromatics to develop. Bottled with minimal intervention, it is an honest and raw expression of a grape that was almost lost to history.
The wine is incredibly aromatic, exuding notes of saffron, quince, and cooked pineapple. On the palate, it is structured and bone-dry, with a fine-grained tannic grip and a long, spicy finish. We recommend serving at 12–14°C to fully appreciate its depth and weight.
