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

For his second selection, this June,Thomas Clouet, sommelier atHABILEchose to talk about Simon Gastrein, his "little favourite" from the Rhône valley, especially the chef'sEric Fontanini, certainly because of his background as a cook, but also because the winemaker fromHameau Toucheboeuf respects the terroir, striving to bring out the best of it, knows how to stay simple and respect nature, and works collectively within Maison Troupeau — so many values shared with the eco-responsible table. Not to mention, and to his mind this is what matters most, the quality of his wines, simply called « Rouge» and «Rosé ».

Do you know Simon Gastrein?

He is a young winemaker of the new generation based inBesseyin the Parc naturel régional du Pilat, he tends 5 hectares of vines, some of which are extremely steep.

Trained as a cook, after completing his apprenticeship underAndré Perret, Simon Gastrein began his winemaking adventure in 2017, the year of his first cuvées, which yield sublime wines of great finesse yet with plenty of character. The winemaker fromHameau Toucheboeuftook over vines that nobody wanted, always guided by the same idea: to respect the terroir, striving to bring out the best of it, stay simple and respect nature.
On top of that, he is a believer in polyculture on his estate, planting among other things hazel trees, ash, rosemary and almond trees, and letting livestock roam through.

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

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

But let's get to the point — as these beautiful late-spring days warm the air and take shape, we are thirsty and hungry, and that is exactly why we are here!!!!

"At HABILE., in June we are shining a spotlight onLa maison Troupeau,a collective project led by Simon Gastrein to: "Valorise local grape production, pool our know-how, our tools and our working methods… ». Thomas

The wines ofMaison Troupeau

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

These are 2 easy-drinking cuvées coming in between 11.5 and 12 degrees, both vinified naturally — of course, he only makes natural wine…Rouge: fruity, powerful, with peppery accents — ideal to accompany our slow-cooked lamb from Ferme de Clavisy, gently braised for 8 hours and served with its paisse and a sublime cooking jus (not too reduced, because my chef, generous with his plates, 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 accompany our strawberry variations, or simply because we're thirsty!!!

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

"Two beautiful thirst-quenching cuvées to refresh yourself without doing yourself any harm — to be drunk in moderation of course, or not…" Thomas

Simply come and discover them at HABILE. at any hour — we will be happy to welcome you and let you taste the wines ofMaison Troupeauso refreshing — but not only that: we have over 300 wine references available and a kitchen that's open continuously from 12pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

#Thomas Clouet, sommelier at HABILE.

The article can be foundhere.