Andrea Calek 'A Toi Nous' NV

The vibe: Calek has a reputation for taking a hands-off approach to his wines (even by natural wine standards). But this is a good thing! Just look him up and you’ll find articles with titles like “Andrea Calek Is a Lazy Bum and That’s Why His Wines Are So Good.” His wines are alive and untamed, yet elegant in their own right. ‘A Toi Nous’ translates to ‘here’s to you’, a phrase often used when someone is drinking excessively. Which, let’s be honest, could happen pretty quickly with a bottle this slurpable. It’s quaffable. It’s fruity. It’s expressive. It’s FUNKY. And it’s singing right now. 

The winemaker: Andrea Calek was born and raised in Czechoslovakia. Just down the road from his winery is Le Mazel, the acclaimed winery where so many Ardeche winemakers cut their teeth and where he learned winemaking before starting his own endeavor. His life partner, Stephana now runs the winemaking for the most part as he has taken a step back in recent years.

The geeky details: 90% Syrah, 10% Grenache (36 year old vines) planted on clay-limestone. Certified organic, biodynamic. Vinification: Complete process completed by gravity, native fermentation in fiberglass, on the skins for 18 days with 8-month elevage in steel. 

Serve: With a light chill. 

Food pairing: Idk why but I want to get takeout with this. Nachos from Matador. Pad See Ew from Sen Noodle. Cookies Country Chicken sando. Or oooh would go great with a pie from Delancey.

Album pairing: The Funk Ark - From the Rooftops