Accordion Wines 'Chromatic' New York 2023

To be in the presence of winemaker Malou Despoux is to be bathed in an energy of warmth and effervescence. That delightful disposition translates seamlessly into the bottles hailing from her petite garage winery nestled in Accord, New York, between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Catskills. After working in wineries throughout France, Chile, and the US, and achieving a diploma in viticulture and winemaking from the Université de Dijon, she started Accordion Wines in 2021 in the Hudson Valley where she had settled with her family. With the help of many friends, she harvests all grapes by hand, aiming to work as gently as possible, eschewing the addition of additives or harsh chemicals throughout the winemaking process. Everything is done with a small press, an even smaller pump, and a whole lot of time. These are everyday drinking wines, undiluted, and intentional in their access and ease. The ‘Chromatic’ is a blend of 75% noiret and 25% de chaunac all from Hudson Valley. Juicy, dry, and tart, like a pomegranate-cranberry shot. Raspberries and pickled green szechuan peppercorns flirt on the nose, balanced by a whisper of lavender and violets. Chillable, chuggable, but thoughtful and well-structured. Set the table, invite your friends, put on the Bossa Nova, it’s dinner party-dance time. Low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.