Grapes: Pineau d’Aunis
Region: Loire, France
Vintage: 2022
Viticulture: Organic + biodynamic
Soils: Silex, clay, and limestone.
Vinification: The grapes, after being harvested and selected by hand, are gently foot-stomped and macerated for 3 weeks in large conical oak vats (cuve tronconique).
Aging: 12 months of aging on lees, in 600-liter oak barrels (demi-muids).
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: None added
Notes from the Importer:Renaud Guettier is a farmer who started the La Grapperie winery in 2004 with very little previous winemaking experience. Today, he works a bit more than 4-hectares of vines where everything is farmed according to organic principles and harvested by hand. Renaud was the first in the Coteaux de Loir AOC to plow his vineyards with a horse—where he spends countless meticulous hours. His vines are spread over 15 tiny plots that sustain a diversity of microclimates along the left bank of the Loire River. These plots enable Renaud to create a spectacular balance with his wines. The majority of his vines are Pineau d’Aunis, however, he also grows some Malbec (Côt), Gamay, Grolleau, and Chenin Blanc. Renaud’s wines are some of the most impressive and powerful wines being crafted in the Loire.
Personality: Deep purple in the glass with loads of black peppercorn, smoky bramble and sweet herbs on the nose. The palate is spicy and herbaceous with dried red and black fruit layered with spice. A most unusual and purely elegant wine that finishes with powerful tannins and mineral-infused spice. Perfect with grilled beef, leg of lamb, venison stew, braised oxtail.
