Coming to us from Arbois, the cradle of buzzy Jura wine, may we present Les Bottes Rouge! A long time in the making, GWI has been chasing this incredible producer since February of 2023, visiting, and then writing patient love letters every three to six months until an allocation finally wiggled free. Exciting! Jean-Baptiste Menigoz (FUN FACT: a BIG Raptors fan!) began his career as a teacher in Arbois working with special needs children, but spent his free time for the better part of ten years in and around vines (including an apprenticeship with Jura legend Stéphane Tissot!) before purchasing his own vineyards. FUN FACT! Arbois was the first French wine appellation (AOC), established in 1936! In 2014, after a few vintages working with his wife Jacqueline, Jean-Baptiste was joined by powerhouse Florien Kleine Snuverink, and the sweetest of partnerships was born! Originally from the Netherlands and long-time advocate for natural wine, she used to own the famous Café Schiller in Amsterdam before moving to the Jura to learn firsthand about low-intervention winemaking. Their seven hectares of regional faves include: chardonnay, pinot noir, ploussard, trousseau and savagnin, treated with precise organic care, and biodynamic treatments, based on the individual vineyard needs from vintage to vintage. These wines are distinguished, vibrant, intricate and whole-hearted representations of the region; we are so excited to bring them to Ontario. Welcome to the home of the Raptors, Les Bottes Rouge!