13.5%abv, Ruillé, imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA. Cork closure: composite. Biodynamic calendar: fruit day.
The relatively unknown appellation of Châteaux du Loir is on the northern reaches of the Touraine region on the Loir River (not to be confused with Loire) and is planted to about only 70 hectares of vines. The AOC was approved 1948 and is regraded for its tuffeau soils with decomposed clay and limestone rock. Approved grapes for red wines include the rare Loire Valley specialty Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet, Côte and Gamay Noir.
Winemaking note: 100% Pineau d’Aunis, 25-year old vines grown over sandy clay soils at just 1.6 hectares of vines for the Janvier family.
Tasting note: the 2019 ‘Cuvée du Rosier’ is pale ruby in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas of rose petals, sour cherry, wild strawberry, earth, clay and mushroom. On the palate this wine is dry with high acid, medium+ tannin, medium body, medium alcohol, medium flavor intensity and a medium finish with flavors of rosehip, sour cherry, mulberry, pomegranate, currant leaf, cinnamon, bubble gum punch and a touch of leather and barnyard funk/horse sweat. There is a touch of natty wine mousy funk to this wine that might not me for everyone but I found it added nice depth. Drink now through 2032, this wine is very good: 9.3/10.
