Erquy APF - Atelier Particulier de Fermentation | Alsace

Erquy from the Atelier Particulier de Fermentation is a comforting cuvée featuring chestnut honey, orange, mandarin, and vanilla, complemented by Alsatian pumpkin. Fascinated by the rich and complex world of fermentation and noting the lack of truly high-quality non-alcoholic beverages on the market, Elsa Steullet founded the Atelier Particulier de Fermentation in 2023. A former sommelier, she has been redefining the boundaries of food and drink pairings from her Alsatian workshop by crafting Jun fermentations, enhanced with ingredients sourced from organic farming or wild foraging. Jun is a living beverage born from the fermentation of grape leaves and raw honey; this time-honored tradition produces a sparkling, floral, and subtly tart drink with no residual sugar. A staunch advocate of a local and natural approach, Elsa sources her vine leaves from her neighbors—winemakers certified as organic and biodynamic. Here, Alsatian pumpkin is roasted with local chestnut honey, which is also used to initiate the first fermentation. The citrus fruits come from a nursery in the south of France and are grown using organic farming methods, while the vanilla is grown in Brittany.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Erquy cuvée fromL’Atelier Particulier de Fermentation proves that a simple beverage can exhibit complexity and depth and evoke emotion without seeking to compare itself to alcoholic drinks. Elsa Steullet invites us to dive into a truly unique world—the kind you simply can’t resist!

The nose is enveloping and warm from the moment you open the bottle. Chestnut honey takes center stage with its deep, woody notes, enhanced by orange and mandarin zest. The delicate roundness of fresh vanilla beans lends an irresistible richness to the sweet aroma of pumpkin. We can already sense the sensory delight that awaits us.

On the palate, it reveals a delicate effervescence that carries a round body with flavors of roasted pumpkin and fresh vanilla—a far cry from artificial vanilla substitutes. The plant-based sweetness is enhanced by the liveliness of the citrus zest, which lingers with a beautiful balance on a finish whose lovely vanilla persistence will make you feel as though you’re biting into a plump vanilla bean. A delight!

This product has a Best Before Date of July 1, 2026. The product remains safe to consume after this date.