Why We Like It
It was in an otherwise unremarkable Angers restaurant many years ago that we had one of a few pivotal moments in our wine journey. Laura’s dad ordered a couple of local bottles, ‘you’ll like this’ he said…. and that was it. Cabernet Franc in all its crunchy fruited, pencil lead, bell pepper glory with it’s wondrously waxy, golden apple filled sister Chenin Blanc had us hooked.
Chateau Yvonne is one of the most well regarded producers in the famous appellation of Saumur Champigny, just down from where we sipped those two formative bottles. It is also one of the most historic, dating back to the 16th Century. Organic since it’s reawakening in 1997 and now fully biodynamic since 2012, everything here is done by hand and it’s that attention to detail that makes the wines so special.
What To Expect
Pineau D’Aunis is the Loire’s forgotten red red grape. Traditionally this light, peppery, aromatic grape is made into rosé, but adventurous winemakers such as Mathieu Vallée at Chateau Yvonne are harnessing warmer temperatures and old vines to make delicate and captivating red wines. Bay Rouge is Mathieu’s example of this and is well worth a try is you’re a fan of a lighter, savoury red.
Pineau D'Aunis / 11.5% / Loire, France / 75cl
Why We Like It
It was in an otherwise unremarkable Angers restaurant many years ago that we had one of a few pivotal moments in our wine journey. Laura’s dad ordered a couple of local bottles, ‘you’ll like this’ he said…. and that was it. Cabernet Franc in all its crunchy fruited, pencil lead, bell pepper glory with it’s wondrously waxy, golden apple filled sister Chenin Blanc had us hooked.
Chateau Yvonne is one of the most well regarded producers in the famous appellation of Saumur Champigny, just down from where we sipped those two formative bottles. It is also one of the most historic, dating back to the 16th Century. Organic since it’s reawakening in 1997 and now fully biodynamic since 2012, everything here is done by hand and it’s that attention to detail that makes the wines so special.
What To Expect
Pineau D’Aunis is the Loire’s forgotten red red grape. Traditionally this light, peppery, aromatic grape is made into rosé, but adventurous winemakers such as Mathieu Vallée at Chateau Yvonne are harnessing warmer temperatures and old vines to make delicate and captivating red wines. Bay Rouge is Mathieu’s example of this and is well worth a try is you’re a fan of a lighter, savoury red.
Pineau D'Aunis / 11.5% / Loire, France / 75cl
