Patrick Bouju
Auvergne, France
Domaine La Bohème is the estate of Patrick Bouju and Justine Loiseau, based in Saint-Georges-sur-Allier in France’s Auvergne region. Patrick began making wine in 2004 after developing a sulphite allergy, drawn to farming and low-intervention winemaking in the volcanic landscapes surrounding Puy de Dôme.
Patrick and Justine work with old, densely planted vineyards rooted in basalt-rich soils, including parcels of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the rare Gamay d’Auvergne. Some vines are over a century old, with sections planted on pre-phylloxera rootstock.
In 2014, a series of difficult harvests and changing growing conditions led to expanding beyond their own vineyards, sourcing fruit from grower friends across France and, occasionally, Greece. This broader approach introduced new varieties, regions, and techniques while remaining rooted in the same philosophy: thoughtful farming, careful sourcing, and wines that reflect place, season, and curiosity.
2023 Festejar Blanc
Pétillant Naturel – Chardonnay, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. Aged on lees for a year before disgorging. Negoce grapes from friends in Alasace, Loire and Beaujolais.
FESTEJAR BLANC / 12 / +409006 / $38.47
2023 G & M
Grenache Gris, Muscat d’Alexandria, Riesling and Auxerrois from Basaltic soild in Auvergne. All the grapes were macerated whole cluster and aged in amphora.
G & M / 12 / +243249 / $32.40
2023 CH
Chardonnay from a grower friend in the southern part of Jura. A Jura Chardonnay that prioritizes delicacy over power. Direct press juice spent 1 year in amphora, giving a soft but focused expression with a creamy texture.
CH / 12 / +669791 / $38.50
2023 MÔL
A blend of ten different varieties mainly from the south of France: Syrah, Carignan, Merlot, Cinsault, Muscat of Alexandria, and Gamay. All were vinified separately, fermented and aged in fibreglass and steel.
Mol is always about having great flow, showing lightness with silky tannins, luscious fruit, and a lovely tangy undertone. Supple and expressive.
MÔL / 12 / +405004 / $29.18
2022 M
Melon de Bourgogne from the Loire, grown on Gabbro terroir (similar to basalt) and vinified in traditional underground vessels. There is a slight saltiness to the wine, alongside mineral touches, lychee, vanilla, green apple.
M / 12 / +405013 / $31
2024 Pd’A
Pineau d’Aunis from friends in the Loire. A short 6-day maceration of destemmed grapes, lovely and light. Peppery, juicy, tangy, red fruit, pepper.
PA / 12 / +669794 / $31.00
2023 LULU
80+ year-old vines of rare Gamay d’Auvernge, from a plot farmed biodynamically on ancient basalt by Justine and Patrick in Corent. Vinified semi-carbonically, and aged in amhpora & stainless.
LULU / 12 / +443826 / $44.21
| BOUJU | SIZE | TYPE | SKU | Price | CASE | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festejar Blanc | 750ml | Sparkling | 409006 | $38.47 | 12 | 0 |
| M | 750ml | White | 405013 | $31.00 | 12 | 0 |
| G & M | 750ml | Orange | 243249 | $32.40 | 12 | 0 |
| CH | 750ml | White | 669791 | $38.50 | 12 | 0 |
| Môl | 750ml | Co-ferment | 405004 | $29.18 | 12 | 0 |
| Pd'A | 750ml | Red | 669794 | $31.00 | 12 | 0 |
| Lulu | 750ml | Red | 443826 | $44.21 | 12 | 0 |