Loire

The 2023 Les Granges comes from sandy alluvial soils close to the Vienne, and was vinified in stainless steel before moving into concrete. It largely remained in cuve at the time of my visit, but this is a tasting from a...(read more)

Another delightful scented and supple red from Benoit Amirault. This cuvee plays up the floral aspect of Cabernet Franc, with violets to the fore. Some blue fruit, then blackcurrant, tobacco and mocha. Succulent and smoo...(read more)

This wine accentuates all the positive aspects of Cabernet Franc with floral touches, graphite, tobacco and dark cherry, cassis fruit. Nice crunch in the mouth with decent dark fruit weight, nicely structured, ripe acid...(read more)

Vanessa Cherruau is somewhat of a maverick - making this gorgeous red on the famed slopes of the Hill of Chaume - an appellation classified only to produce sweet white wines (Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru and Coteaux de Lay...(read more)

At the bottom of the Sonnay hill sit the 70 year old vines of Bernard's oldest vineyard. The Cabernet Franc grapes are fermented in concrete before spending a year in 3 to 5 year old barrels. A little more serious than '...(read more)

The fruit for this lively and peppy Gamay comes from Vanessa's neighbour. She is heavily involved throughout the year in managing the vineyards - which are now in their 3 year of conversion to Organic Certification. This...(read more)

The 2022 Chavignol is a delicate style from a north-facing site in the village of Chavignol, best known for its white wines and goat's cheese. It has a pretty, pale, youthful hue, fragrant lift and pure palate. A fine, c...(read more)

This is aged 80% in oak barrels and 20% in amphorae. This feels bright and more expressive on the nose, with raspberry notes and lightly grilled edges to the dark fruits. The palate is fresh and correct, with a softer wr...(read more)