2016 Famille Vaillant L'Aubinaie

Region: Anjou < Loire Valley <France

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Demeter and AB certified biodynamic + organic farming; young vines on gray/green shale + quartz soils; fermented and aged in used barrique then bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added So2; 12% ABV

Winemaker / proprietors: Jean-Francois, Dominique and Laurence Vaillant

In the Loire Valley, the Famille Vaillant domaine has an unbroken family history dating back to the 18th century. They were one of the first French producers to adopt biodynamic practices in the 1980's, and they produce an impressive range of wines from various Anjou appellations, using no additives at all, and never fining or filtering.  The L'Aubinaie is their young vine Cab Franc, a beautiful and honest portrayal of the local grape, with wild strawberry and expressive red fruits, and intense but soft tannins. Pour it in your glass and watch it blossom with air, revealing the spice and savory, almost tomato-y, notes of the grape, but not in the crunchy, fall-leaves-under-your boots sort of way.  More feminine and elegant and silky smooth.  Incredible bargain as well.  Stock up.