Nicolas Renaud worked as a history teacher before his enthusiasm and curiosity drew him to full-time winemaking. He started out making wine at Vieille Julienne in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2005, and during his 2 years there he began to rent his own vines in Rochefort, near Gard in the Southern Rhone. His current estate, Clos Des Grillons, was established in 2008. There he farms 15ha biodynamically, mostly Vin De France, but has recently acquired a few hectares in Tavel. Nicolas is a neighbour and friend of Eric Pfifferling from l’Anglore, who has been a big inspiration to his approach in the cellar. All of his red cuvées undergo carbonic maceration, with no additions except minimal sulphur at bottling.

Primo Senso is Cinsault with a little Grenache undergoing carbonic maceration. Pure and fruit driven, this is a bright, vivid and very moreish wine. Best served chilled.