SINGULARS: For June, the two gems from the Maison Troupeau collective, led by Simon Gastrein

For his second selection, this June, Thomas Clouet, sommelier at HABILE chose to talk about Simon Gastrein, his "little favourite" from the Rhône Valley — especially the chef Eric Fontanini's — likely because of his background as a cook, but also because the winemaker at Hameau Toucheboeuf respects the terroir, striving to get the best from it, knows how to stay simple and respect nature, and works collectively within Maison Troupeau — values he shares with this eco-responsible table. And above all, what matters most to him: the quality of the wines themselves, simply called « Rouge » and « Rosé ».

Do you know Simon Gastrein?

He is a young winemaker of the new generation, based in Bessey in the Parc naturel régional du Pilat, tending 5 hectares of vines, some of them on extremely steep slopes.

Trained as a cook, having apprenticed under André Perret, Simon Gastrein began his winemaking adventure in 2017, the year of his first cuvées — sublime wines of great finesse with a lot of character. The winemaker at Hameau Toucheboeuf took on vines that nobody wanted, always with the same idea in mind: to respect the terroir, to get the best from it, to stay simple and respect nature.
On top of that, he is a believer in polyculture on his estate, planting hazel trees, ash, rosemary and almond trees, among others, and letting livestock roam through.

Simon Gastrein raises his wine on the slopes of Hameau Toucheboeuf, just as he builds his domaine. Simply. Photo Simon Gastrein

"Simon Gastrein works with exactly the values that HABILE. wishes to represent and embody." Thomas

But let's get to the point — with these beautiful late-spring days warming the air, we're hungry and thirsty, and that's why we're here !!!!

"At Habile., in June we're shining a light on La maison Troupeau, a collective project led by Simon Gastrein to: « Showcase local grape production, pool our know-how, our tools and our ways of working… ». Thomas

The pours from Maison Troupeau

This generous pooling of resources has produced two cuvées so far, simply called « Rouge » and « Rosé » — both 100% Syrah.

Two easy-drinking cuvées coming in between 11.5 and 12 degrees, both made as natural wines — of course, he only makes natural wine… Rouge: fruity, powerful, with peppery notes — perfect alongside our slow-confit lamb from Ferme de Clavisy, gently cooked for 8 hours and served with its braising juices and a sublime cooking jus (not too reduced, because my chef is generous on the plate and wants you to be able to mop it up!!! To hell with propriety — here, pleasure comes first !!!!).

Rouge, from the Maison Troupeau collective, led by Simon Gastrein. Photo Thomas Clouet HABILE.

Rosé: It has the colour of a light red, but the freshness of a rosé to sip all summer long! Light and fruity, it reveals subtle notes of strawberry and has a good length on the palate. Perfect as an aperitif, but also to go with our strawberry variations — or simply because you're thirsty!!!

Rosé, from the Maison Troupeau collective, led by Simon Gastrein Photo Thomas Clouet HABILE.

"Two great easy-drinking wines to quench your thirst without doing yourself any harm — drink in moderation of course, or not…" Thomas

Simply come and discover them at Habile. at any hour, we'll be happy to welcome you and let you taste the wines of the Maison Troupeau so refreshing — but that's not all, we have over 300 wine references at your disposal and a kitchen open continuously from 12pm to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday.

#Thomas Clouet, sommelier at Habile.

The article can be found here.