Red

Organic / Biodynamic

100% Cabernet Franc from gravelly and sandy soils, these 15-35 year old vines are hand picked and left to macerate in concrete vats for fourteen days. Aging occurs in concrete as well between 6-12 months with no sulphites added until bottling; a measly 10mg/l at bottling. 12.5% abv

Organic / Biodynamic / Natural / No Added Sulfites

Cabernet Franc planted in a biodynamically farmed parcel dominated by Granite soil. Hand-harvested, all fruit is received in the winery via gravity (no pumps). Destemmed, 12 day cuvaison, all indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged in a combination of amphora and old barrels for 15 months. Zero sulfur added.

Expressive nose dominated by aromas of small black berries and white pepper. The palate is round and flattering. Fred sought finesse from beginning to end and his respect for the potential power and elegance of Cabernet Franc are evident in the glass. This wine has charms abound!

Organic / Natural

This is an incredible find in Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. This has everything you could want in a classically styled Chinon but with a “new-age” touch of freshness (no oak used, only concrete). The bouquet wafts out of the glass displaying notes of wildflowers, blackberries and bell peppers. This medium-bodied Cabernet Franc has the classic spice and pyrazine (green notes) Chinon is known for but not in a stemmy or unripe fruit way. It is subtle and adds a desired complexity. This is bright and joyful and should not be missed by Loire Valley wine enthusiasts. Lower its temperature for maximum enjoyment! Organic / Natural. 12% abv.

At the crossroads of traditional Chinon and modern, youthful winemaking you will find Domaine de la Mariniere. The depth and purity of the fruit they achieve ia terrific.

The Domaine de la Mariniere, situated in Panzoult on the eastern edge of Chinon, has been farmed by the Desbourdes family since 1965. The land here was initially used as a true, polyculture farm, raising animals and growing cereal grains in addition to grapes. Renaud Desbourdes returned to help his father in the 1980s, turning the focus to grape growing and winemaking and expanding the vineyard plantings, and eventually took full control of the domaine in 1999 when his father retired. Today, Renaud’s son, Boris, has joined his father full-time and is helping to take this traditional family domaine into the next generation.

Boris initially became passionate about organic farming after working with Vincent Laval in Champagne, and upon his return, he immediately transitioned his family’s vineyards to organics (certified in 2018). The 15 hectares of vines average 30 years old (with some old parcels having been planted in the ‘50s and ‘60s) and are planted on a mix of gravelly sand and limestone soils on the hillsides. In addition to the increased focus on farming, Boris has introduced hand-harvesting and the use of native yeast for fermentations. The result of all of this work is a set of wines that are at the forefront of a modern approach to classic Chinon, combining the best of old traditions with youthful energy.

Organic

The greater vineyard of Les Poyeux hosts a mythical terroir, home to some of the Loire’s most coveted red wines. Les Poyeux consists of 2 very distinct terroirs with unique expressions, in spite of the soil components being similar.

Les Bas Poyeux rests at the lower part of the of the Les Poyeux slope, with a complex soil which begins with 20 cm of sand above a distinctive limestone and clay subsoil. This leaves a prominent limestone imprint in the wines from this area, giving Les Bas Poyeux its "blood" side. To best elaborate the depth and complexity of this particular terroir, Duveau makes the choice to age the wine in a mix of concrete and neutral barrel.

Organic

This is 100% Pinot Noir with a touch of oak barrel aging to add roundness to the palate. The color is so vibrant red it seems electric. The nose is fresh and slightly spiced. In the mouth red fruits such as sour cherries and strawberries dominate. Harmonious and round, it reveals a long fresh finish with a touch of spice. This is beautifully done!

Nicolas Millerioux is a young French vigneron who took over the family estate in 2008. Located in the hamlet of Amigny, just west of the village of Sancerre and south of Chavignol, the Milleriouxs have worked the land here for three generations, eventually expanding to the 15ha they farm today. Amigny is known for its chalky soils, and 95% of the Millerioux's holdings come from a mix of the classic limestone terroirs of the region: "Caillotes" (a hard, shallow limestone full of stones) and "Terres Blanches" (a softer Kimmeridgian marl).

In 2008 Nicolas brought organic farming to the family estate. Today, the work in the vineyards is completely organic (with certification coming) and the soils are worked manually. In the cellar, all of the wines are allowed to ferment naturally and extended lees-aging is used to enrich the wines, which allows for minimal sulfur additions only at racking and bottling. Nicolas’ goal is to define how Sancerre might have tasted earlier in the 20th century, before modern vine-clone monotony and industrial practices in the vineyards and cellar, and if his early work is any indication, he will surely be leading the charge as part of Sancerre’s new generation.
 

A fresh easy drinking expression of Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley. Lush, ripe red fruit dominate with only 12.5% abv. Far superior than anything you would get from Burgundy at this price range.

Organic

94 points View from the Cellar (John Gilman)
The 2017 vintage of les Picasses from Domaine Raffault has just been released, nearly six years out from the vintage. The wine is simply outstanding on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet hopping from the glass in a vibrant and already complex blend of sweet dark berries, cassis, cigar wrapper, gravelly soil tones, a touch of smoked meats, currant leaf and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and complex, with superb mid-palate depth, excellent soil signature and grip, ripe, well-measured tannins and impeccable balance on the long, complex and very classy finish. At age six, this wine is certainly approachable today, but it is still a puppy and the real fireworks will not start until it is at least twelve years of age. Outstanding young Chinon! 2023-2075+