Vin de France 'Ballon' Rouge 2022, Cros des Calades

Behind the playful name 'Ballon' Rouge 2022 lies a sophisticated, organic natural wine boasting true Rhône depth. Crafted by Florence and Benoît Chazallon (renowned for Château de la Selve) under their Cros des Calades project, this cuvée combines vibrant drinkability with impressive structure and nuance.

On the nose, the wine opens with ripe red berries including raspberry, cherry, and a hint of dark plum. On the palate, it is smooth, generous, and beautifully balanced. The inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon lends structure and backbone to the blend, while Grenache and Syrah provide juicy fruitiness, floral charm, and delicate spice. The finish is clean, supple, and subtly smoky.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the Rhône Valley, planted on clay-limestone and pebble-rich soils.
• Winemaking & Ageing: Hand-harvested, spontaneously fermented using native yeasts, and aged in stainless steel tanks to lock in pure fruit expression and freshness. Crafted with minimal intervention.
• Sustainability: Organic viticulture and natural winemaking without chemical additives.
• Tasting Profile: Supple, fruit-forward, and structured. Notes of raspberry, cherry, plum, soft baking spices, floral accents, and a subtle smoky finish.
• Ageing Potential: Highly enjoyable and energetic now, with the balance to cellar gracefully over 3 to 5 years.

Food Pairing

• Meat: Outstanding alongside grilled red meats, venison roast, or rich stews such as beef bourguignon.
• Charcuterie: A wonderful match for artisanal charcuterie boards featuring pâté, rillettes, and cured sausages.
• Vegetarian: Excellent with roasted root vegetables and spiced lentil dishes.
• Cheese: Ideal with firm cheeses such as aged Tomme or mature goat cheese.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served slightly cool between 14°C and 16°C to highlight its freshness and vibrant fruit profile.

The Terroir of Cros des Calades

The vineyards in the southern Rhône Valley benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by cool nocturnal winds. The clay-limestone soils strewn with river pebbles (calades) grant the grapes optimal ripeness while maintaining a refreshing core of natural acidity.

About Cros des Calades (Château de la Selve)

Florence and Benoît Chazallon are the visionary team behind Château de la Selve and the small-scale project Cros des Calades. Drawing on extensive experience in organic and biodynamic viticulture, they produce authentic terroir-driven wines. With Cros des Calades, they demonstrate that natural wine can be vibrant and approachable without sacrificing precision, structure, or culinary versatility.