Ça Boit Libre - Damien Bastian

The “Ça Boit Libre” estate

His 40 years old done, a few years at the helm of the estate, and the wines of Damien Bastian become a fine reference in the world of natural wine in Savoie. It was the winegrower who succeeded in bringing the Chasselas grape variety up to date. Doesn't that speak to you? So it's time to be curious and have a try.

From Ganevat to "Ça Boit Libre"!

The story of Damien Bastian did not start right away in the vineyards, but despite everything close to the ground.
Damien comes from the world of horticulture, he stayed a good number of years in the world of vegetable growing, especially in Chad. On his return, he takes a break from the earth, and works in restaurant in Geneva. It was without counting on his passion because he will return very quickly to nature, due in part to his meetings with the winegrowers. He then trained for some time with winegrowers, notably with Jean-François Ganevat. He will stay for several years with the Jura star who needs no introduction (for the purists). At Fanfan, he will learn the most respectful methods that can exist. Jean-François works on 25 different grape varieties, with his own methods to produce plot bottles sought after all over the world.
Then in 2017, he launched himself. He recovers 0.75 hectares of vines in the Marignan appellation in Savoy, next to the Geneva Lake. His early years will be torn between his field and continuing to work at “Fanfan” Ganevat. He will also visit Dominique Lucas on the shores of Lake Geneva where he will familiarize himself with the typical climate of this Haute-Savoie sector.
Damien Bastian appropriates his new playground, he tames the Chasselas grape variety like few people, thus is born “ Ca boit libre ”. A very explicit introduction of its wines for consumers. You will taste free and lively wines.
In 2020 it expands and goes up to 4 hectares of vines by taking over the vines of Jean-Marie Chappuis. Thus, Damien goes from the culture of Chasselas, to that of Altesse, Gamay and Pinot Noir in addition.
He will harvest for the first time in his new building in 2020, at the Domaine de Marsaz, close to the Swiss border.

The natural wines of Damien Bastian

At “Ça Boit Libre”, the wines are made with the greatest respect for the environment. The harvest is done manually. There is a direct pressing for the whites, which are then settled overnight. The following day comes the entonnage. Fermentation takes place in barrels for all the wines. The reds are done in semi-carbonic maceration (1 to 3 weeks), no punching down or pumping over. They are then returned to vats before being bottled on the fine sugar.
For the whites, like the reds, there is zero intervention during the aging of the wines. Damien Bastian comes with the racks at the end of spring, even a year later for some bottles. Blending takes place two months before bottling.
Damien Bastian looks for a beautiful minerality in his white wines, he seeks to transcribe the tension of his soils. As for its reds, it really seeks fruit, a nice roundness, all enhanced by freshness.
Damien Bastian had fun revealing the flavors of his grape varieties. He will then produce several bottles, first of all his magnum Ton Rouge de Soif 2021. The airy upstream is won for this Gamay and Pinot Noir. Lots of fruit and freshness in this pure juice.
Still in magnum, there is the Ton Rouge de Grosse Soif 2021 bottle. A 100% Gamay as we like at Epi-curieux.com . Like its buddy, a little aeration before opening will be necessary, to then savor all its fruity side.
In 0.75L format, Damien Bastian has produced the Ton Rouge 2021 d'élevage bottle. A Gamay on spice and fruit. A little patience and ventilation and you will be in heaven! He also works with the Pinot Noir grape variety with the Ton Rouge du Lac 2021 bottle, which has nothing to envy to the Burgundian Pinot Noir. Pretty frame, all in velvet, a treat!
Damien Bastian brilliantly produces his white wines, just like the Mon Blanc 2021 bottle. This 100% Chasselas is a pure success unlike the vintage which was complicated. Tight, fresh, congratulations!
There is also a 100% Altesse, the Mon Blanc de la Haute 2021. Fruit, roundness, acidity, everything is present, as we like! 100% Chasselas for this Mon Blanc des Alpes 2021, with incomparable freshness! Sharp wine as we appreciate to awaken the taste buds. Last bottle for Damien Bastian, an original one, Mon Blanc Orangé 2021. This maceration of Chasselas is perfectly mastered, freshness, complexity. A test for lovers of orange wines.
Wines mastered for Damien Bastian as we like at Epi-curieux.com, to be tested for lovers of Chasselas, Gamay and Pinot Noir. Originality, delicacy, freshness!