Sylvain Bock 'A la Fraiche' White Blend, Vin de France, France

Bright, refreshing, and distinctly natural, Sylvain Bock’s ‘À la Fraîche’ blends wind-buttressed Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Chardonnay to deliver a white that feels both energetic and approachable. With minimal intervention winemaking, no added sulfur, and organic viticulture, its charm lies in its tension, minerality, and vibrant fruit. Perfect as a lively aperitif or paired with simple, fresh-flavored foods, it brings pure pleasure in a bottle.

Product Details:

• Grape Varieties: ~85% Sauvignon Blanc, ~15% Chardonnay
• Appellation: Vin de France (Ardèche / Rhône environs)
• Farming / Vinification: Natural wine practices; organic vineyard work; no or minimal additives—no added sulfur; half the Sauvignon Blanc is macerated for a few days, the rest is direct-pressed; Chardonnay component from barrel in some vintages
• Aging: Mostly tank aging (stainless steel), with some component from barrel in certain vintages; aged ~10 months before bottling
• ABV: ~13.0%
• Production Volume: Boutique / small batch release; produced in limited quantities typical of Sylvain Bock’s range

Sensory Description:

On the nose, ‘À la Fraîche’ greets with crisply cut citrus, lemon zest, grapefruit, lifted by green apple and a whisper of tropical blossom. There’s a nuanced herbal note, like fresh cut grass or crushed basil, which plays well with the subtle warmth and roundness from the Chardonnay component. The palate is clean and juicy: grapefruit and orchard fruit sharpened by bright acidity, with underlying saline tension and a lingering minerality. Texture is light to medium, with a lively mouthfeel that’s cool, refreshing, and carries through to a dry, energetic finish, pure, thirst-quenching, alive.

Winemaker's Background:

Sylvain Bock works from the Ardèche in southern France, making natural wines that emphasize vitality, place, and minimal intervention. He farms organically, often without added sulphur, and sources fruit from vineyards in Ardèche and sometimes nearby Gard. Drawing from his early experiences in the Rhône and abroad, Bock’s style seeks clarity, freshness, and honesty: wines that express their ingredients, their soil, and the vintage with little artifice.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled, around 50–54°F, to highlight freshness and lift. Excellent alongside oysters or shellfish, simple fish dishes or sashimi, goat cheeses, or salads with citrus-based dressings. It also works beautifully for apéritif sipping on a warm afternoon. A great pick for lovers of natural wines and bright, lively whites that beg for another glass.