ABOUT THE WINE
Since 1995, when Mr. and Mrs. Tokar stumbled across the location that would become the estate, their small boutique winery has been a pioneer of the Yarra Valley ‘Golden Mile’ of high-quality, family-owned producers. The small boutique estate practices sustainable farming on a beautiful vineyard which was originally intended to be little more than a hobby! Now, with the second generation working alongside them, the Tokar’s attention on detail both in the vineyards and in the cellar is showing results, with numerous inter-national accolades and awards.

TASTING NOTES
Bright red core with a light crimson hue. Fragrant ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas stream out of the glass followed by a mix of dried herbs, forest floor and light spicy cedar. Delicious ripe cherry and strawberry flavours have a juicy supple feel and savoury edge. Nice bright finish with velvet like tannins and a moreish ripe red berry aftertaste.

FOOD PAIRING
An excellent accompaniment to a roast duck dish, complementing the natural fattiness of the duck. Also great with hard cheeses, such as Manchego and Comte.

ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhône winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.

TASTING NOTES
Harvested a little earlier than the Exception, to preserve the fresh fruit-character of the wine. Vinification is in sealed vats to limit exposure to oxygen. Delicate citrus, peach, apple and pear aromas; fresh yet full-bodied on the palate.

FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, also perfect with grilled fish. A lovely wine with a cold lunch-spread.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
The reductive (oxygen-free) winemaking allows for the bare minimum of sulphur to be used in this wine.

ABOUT THE WINE
Having worked as a consultant for other wineries, Brittany-born Loïc couldn't wait to start his own, and so in 2011 he purchased 11 hectares spread between Savennières and La Franchaie, Certified organic and non-interventionist, Loïc prefers to let the effects of the seasons and terroir dominate the character of his wines. Grapes are exclusively picked by hand, with careful sorting to ensure quality fruit. Fermentation is slow, using natural yeasts and minimal sulphites, with maturation in oak barrels or small tanks.

TASTING NOTES
Golden yellow in colour, very complex nose with honey, citrus, brioche and quince on the nose. Very bright and fresh with some nutty and toasted notes. On the palate is powerful and structured. Good minerality, medium weight and a long finish.

FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with any fish, preferably with a strong flavoured spice or sauce. Sweetbread or veal kidneys in a rich cream sauce will also complement the wine nicely, along with a locally produced goat or sheep's milk cheeses.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
The name 'Équilibre' symbolises a meeting point where the terroir-driven approach in Loïc's biodynamic vine-growing and the natural style of winemaking combine to create a wine which embodies the best of both philosophies.