ChanChan Collectif – Mastering Lledoner Pelut in Roussillon
Twice coincidence. Thrice is a strong scent. When a top-notch local bistro, neighbourhood wineshop, and a respected winegrower all mentioned ChanChan, off went the blood hounds.
We found Manuel. Schooled by Leah Devay @Coume del Mas, now the neighbourhood prodigy of Gilles Troullier. This is the second vintage of The ChanChan Collectif – a collaboration of four young wine-fanatical friends who bet a chunk of their lifesavings on a hairy-leafed grape variety few of us can pronounce – Lledoner Pelut.
The bet on Lledoner Pelut, a mutation of Grenache Noir, reflects their deep belief in its potential. With its downy leaf underside, this "hairy Grenache" thrives in the heat, capturing moisture and achieving early phenolic ripeness. Combined with Cinsault, these grapes create wines that are beautifully spicy, savory, and fresh. The plot above the Têt valley, facing Canigou Mountain, is the perfect terroir for this biodynamic venture.
In just their second vintage, ChanChan Collectif is already turning heads. Their flagship wine, Lazzer, is a smooth, expressive creation that bursts with flavor. We tasted the 1st vintage straight out of the barrel and burst out laughing. Just gorgeous.
Eclosio and Furia follow, both crafted with Lledoner Pelut and old-vine Cinsault. These wines are living proof of what can happen when young minds bring innovative thinking to traditional winemaking.
