Our Tasting Impressions
Spicy, lively, light and delicious, this has a high quaffability quotient but with sneaky depth and tannins. A terrific wine for relaxed enjoyment but don't be surprised if upon reflection you realize there's alot more there. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.
About this wine
From a collection of Pineau d'Aunis plots between 10 and 40 years old in limestone clay soil. Organically farmed and machine harvested with yields of 45 hl/ha.
Traditional maceration and malolactic fermentation in tank for 2-3 weeks then aged on fine lees for 4-5 months.
About the grape
Pineau d'Aunis is a dark skinned grape that is indigenous to the Central Loire Valley dating back to the middle ages. Royalty in France and England cherished it from the 13th to 15th centuries. It has a light color and mild pepper flavor that makes it popular for rosés in many regions but it also has a subtle complexity and low alcohol to produce interesting and uncommon reds.
On Your Table
Hugely versatile, you could serve this as an aperitif with charcuterie and cheese. With dinner it can run the gamut from fish to Asian cuisine. Just be sure to serve it at 53-55°.
Suggested Glassware: Grassl Mineralité
The Gigou family operates their quaint farm in the central northern reaches of the Loire Valley - not far from Le Mans, home to the famed 24-hour auto road race. Joël, who is credited with saving the appellation of Jasnières, started the estate in 1974 along with his gracious wife Sylvie. His son Ludovic now handles much of the management and his sister Dorothée has recently joined in the efforts.
Their 8 hectares of vineyards in Jasnières are planted to Chenin Blanc producing dry whites - and sweet in vintages when botrytis (noble rot) occurs. The entire appellation is only 108 hectares and the soil of mostly flint and tuffeau limestone is unique - giving Chenin from Jasnières distinct flavors. They farm without chemicals harvestIng 60% by hand and 40% by machine (stems left on for the Chenin).
Gamay and Pineau d'Aunis (and Chenin for one white) is planted in Côteaux du Loir (5ha) for their reds and rosé. They also produce sparkling wines in all three colors that are not appellation specific. The range of wines is extensive despite producing only about 40-50,000 bottles per year. There are lots of old vines.
Now the remarkable part, Ludovic told me they keep all their bottled wines in their cellar for at least one or two years. He replied, The wine decides when it's ready. In some cases, he would hold them back even longer, except they are often out of storage space. Truly a portrait of a family whose prime concern is that the wines that bear their name are special.
