Sous le Vegetal

A collaboration between Jason Ligas, the rising star of Greek natural wine movement, and the French legend Patrick Bouju. The project is based on recovery of vineyards on the volcanic island of Samos. They reject any industrial farming practices (way too common in Greece), and they bring vineyards back to a healthy natural balance through the use of biodynamic practices. The whites are different interpretations of the indigenous Muscat grape, and the different vessels and winemaking techniques are chosen based on the singularity of each given terroir.  

Livia

In previous vintages Livia was aged in French oak barrels, but in an effort to increase minerality and acidity Livia 22 is aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete. Saline, fresh and mineral driven with notes of smoked almond, Castelvetrano olive and lemon peel. Decanting is recommended.

Quick Facts

APPELLATION: Samos
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
FARMING: Biodynamic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: concrete
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6

Octave

Octave is comprised of grapes from vineyards in the lower villages of Pagondas and Platoons. A combination of 75L clay amphoras and egg-shaped concrete vats are used in the ageing process. The result is a powerful and energetic wine with a lengthy finish; balancing complexity with a fresh brightness.

Quick Facts

APPELLATION: Samos
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
FARMING: Biodynamic
FERMENTATION: Amphora
MATURATION: concrete
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6

Palli & Genesia

A stunning vinification project by Patrick Bouju and Jason Ligas from the volcanic soils of Samos, Greece. Sous le Vegetal seeks to reflect the micro-terroirs of the island as well as different expressions of the rare varietal Muscat à Petits Grains through varying ageing and maceration techniques. The vines are found at the base of Mount Karvounis where they are exposed to both the sun and sea. In line with both winemakers personal projects, strict biodynamic practices are used in the vineyards, grapes are harvested by hand and absolutely nothing is added in the winemaking process. Palli & Genesia 2018 is harvested from vineyards at the highest altitudes from old vineyard's brought back to life by Jason's team, thus the name meaning rebirth in Greek. The wine is aged in 750L amphora to produce a very fine and delicate dry moscatel with the vivacity and preciseness of a high altitude wine.

Quick Facts

APPELLATION: Samos
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
FARMING: Biodynamic
FERMENTATION: Amphora
MATURATION: Amphora
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6

Auguste

Auguste 2022 is the only red vintage produced using an ancient indigenous cépage, Augoustiatis, the first red grape to ever be harvested in Greece. Aged in a combination of stockinger barrels and concrete vats. Fresh minerality of quartz is perfectly offset by acidic notes of underripe cherries.

Quick Facts

APPELLATION: Samos
VINTAGE: 2022
STYLE: red
GRAPE: Avgoustiatis
FARMING: Biodynamic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: concrete
FILTRATION: unfiltered
VEGAN: yes
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6