VDF “Ballon” Rouge 2022 – Cros des Calades

🎈 Playful yet Structured – Ballon Rouge 2022 – Cros des Calades

Don’t let the name fool you – this “Ballon” is full of gravity. Made by Florence and Benoît Chazallon of Château de la Selve, Ballon Rouge is a natural red with Rhône soul: juicy, vibrant and charmingly unfiltered. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon gives this wine lift and structure in perfect harmony – an accessible red with real depth.

🍒 Red berries, cherry and subtle spice

On the nose: fresh raspberries, ripe cherries, and a hint of plum. The palate is generous and smooth, with soft tannins and a light herbal touch. The Cabernet adds backbone, while Grenache and Syrah bring fruit and floral notes. The finish is clean, lightly smoky and easy to love – pure drinkability with finesse.

🌱 Terroir & Winemaking

• 📍 Origin: Rhône Valley, France
• 🍇 Grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
• 🌿 Farming: Organically grown grapes from nearby vineyards
• 🍷 Vinification:
  • Manual harvest
  • Fermented with indigenous yeasts
  • No additives or corrections
  • Aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness
  • Minimal intervention for maximum authenticity

🍽️ Food Pairing: fresh, versatile, food-loving

Ballon Rouge shines at the table – relaxed but capable of standing up to flavor:

• 🥩 Grilled red meats or wild game
• 🍲 Hearty stews like beef bourguignon
• 🧀 Aged cheeses like tomme or firm goat’s cheese
• 🐖 Charcuterie board with pâté and dry sausages
• 🥕 Roasted vegetables with spices or lentil dishes

🧑‍🌾 Cros des Calades: humble, pure, and precise

Florence and Benoît Chazallon, known for their work at Château de la Selve, created Cros des Calades as a side project to showcase their love for minimal-intervention, terroir-focused reds. Ballon Rouge is a natural wine with no gimmicks – just honest, clean fruit and Rhône charm.

✨ Why this wine is a smart choice

• 🎈 Lighthearted label, serious quality
• 🍇 Rhône blend with freshness and grip
• 🍷 No additives, just pure fruit expression
• 🧑‍🌾 Crafted by experienced organic winemakers
• 🍽️ Easy to pair, easy to enjoy

Looking for a natural red with bright fruit and true drinkability? Ballon Rouge 2022 by Cros des Calades is pure, playful and Rhône-rooted – a joyful wine with real heart.