2015 Melaric ‘Le Tandem’ Cab Franc/Grolleau

Region: Saumur < Loire Valley < France
Grapes: 60% Grolleau, 40% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic, dry-farmed vineyards; white chalk soils; 8 months in tank, bottled without fining or filtering; 12% ABV
Winemaker: Mélanie & Aymeric Hilaire

Mélanie and Aymeric started making wine in 2006, organic and hands-off from the start. They have a strong resistance to sulfur, saying that, ‘When wine is strong, it is better without,’ he says. When they do add a tiny bit of SO2 before bottling, they have a machine for making their own preparation from volcanic elemental sulfur, engineered by a biodynamic guy, that a few other organic growers use. This is bright and earthy table wine, with some pepper, vivid raspberry, sour cherry and cranberry – crisp, fresh and super clean on the palate.