Sextant Julien Altaber 'Octobre' Primeur
Red wine (Light-bodied, glou-glou style). It is a 'Vin de Primeur' or 'Nouveau' style intended for immediate, youthful consumption. · Julien Altaber (Domaine Sextant). Initially a protégé of Dominique Derain, Julien is a highly respected micro-négociant and estate owner in Saint-Aubin, heralded as a leader in the Burgundian natural wine movement.
Vintage: Non-vintage/Current (specifically produced annually for the harvest celebration, likely 2023 or 2022 depending on the exact drinking date).
Type
Red wine (Light-bodied, glou-glou style). It is a 'Vin de Primeur' or 'Nouveau' style intended for immediate, youthful consumption.
Producer
Julien Altaber (Domaine Sextant). Initially a protégé of Dominique Derain, Julien is a highly respected micro-négociant and estate owner in Saint-Aubin, heralded as a leader in the Burgundian natural wine movement.
Country
France, the global benchmark for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a strict AOC system though natural producers often utilize Vin de France for creative freedom.
Vintage
Non-vintage/Current (specifically produced annually for the harvest celebration, likely 2023 or 2022 depending on the exact drinking date).
Region & Appellation
Burgundy (Bourgogne), France. Often bottled as Vin de France or under the regional Bourgogne AOC, though this specific 'Octobre' cuvée is a Primeur/Nouveau style release.
Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Noir or occasionally a Pinot/Gamay blend depending on the vintage. It features bright, brambly fruit characteristics typical of young Burgundian grapes.
Color & Appearance
Bright translucent ruby with purple highlights; medium intensity, slight youthful haziness common in unfiltered natural wines, with light-to-medium viscosity.
Aroma Profile
Vibrant primary aromas of fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, and crushed cranberries, accompanied by a touch of carbonic bubblegum, violets, and a hint of wild yeast funk.
Tasting Notes
Light, energetic, and incredibly drinkable. The palate is dominated by tart red berries and a refreshing mineral streak, finishing clean with high-toned fruit and zero oak interference.
Flavor Profile
Fresh red cherry, pomegranate, and white pepper. There is an earthy, stemmy quality that provides freshness, followed by a juicy, fruit-forward mid-palate.
Body & Texture
Light-bodied with a soft, crunchy texture. It has a high 'drinkability' or 'glou-glou' factor with a nimble and refreshing mouthfeel.
Acidity & Tannins
High, zesty acidity and very low, soft tannins. The structure is built on freshness rather than phenolic grip, making it approachable without decanting.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry with approximately 1-2 g/L of residual sugar, though the intense fruitiness can give a perception of sweetness on the front palate.
Alcohol Content
Typically low for a red, ranging between 11.5% and 12.5%, ensuring it stays light and manageable on the palate.
Aging & Oak
Very little to no oak influence. It is fermented and aged briefly in stainless steel or neutral fiberglass tanks to preserve the primary fruit and freshness of the harvest.
Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, paté, roasted chicken, grilled salmon with lentils, or slightly spicy vegetarian dishes. Its high acidity cuts through fats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled (12-14°C / 54-57°F). Use a universal or Burgundy glass. No decanting required; intended to be opened and enjoyed immediately.
Price Range
Approximately $25 - $35 USD. It represents an accessible entry point into high-quality natural Burgundy.
Quality Assessment
88-90 points. A premium example of the 'Nouveau' style. It is not a heavy-hitting cellar wine but an exceptionally well-made, expressive natural red.
Production Methods
Natural winemaking: hand-picked fruit, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtration, and minimal or no added sulfur (S02). Partly carbonic maceration common.
Terroir
Sourced from vineyards in and around Saint-Aubin and the Côte de Beaune. Limestone and clay soils provide the requisite mineral backbone even in a simple cuvée.
History & Heritage
Julien Altaber started his own label in 2007 after working closely with Dominique Derain. He is part of the small but influential wave of natural winemakers in the heart of classic Burgundy.
Interesting Facts
The 'Octobre' label is part of a tradition of naming 'Nouveau' style wines after the month surrounding the harvest. The expressive portrait on the label is iconic to this specific bottling.
Cellaring Potential
Low. This wine is at its peak upon release. It should be consumed within 1-2 years to enjoy the vibrant fruit; it is not intended for long-term aging.
Similar Wines
Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois, Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Nouveau, or light-bodied Pinot Noirs from the Jura region.