2019 Manoir Tête de la Rouge 'Bagatelle' Cab Franc

Region: Saumur < Loire Valley < France

Grapes:  Cabernet Franc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Farming: certified organic since 1998 and certified biodynamic since 2010; clay, limestone, silt soils; cold maceration, 7 days maceration before juice free run, malolactic fermentation in concrete tank on lees then aged 8 months in concrete tank; bottled unfined/unfiltered with 5ppm added So2 (essentially zero-zero); 13% ABV
Winemaker: Guillaume Reynouard

Le Manoir de la Tête Rouge has been around for a minute or two (ahem, 1649), based in the Saumur region of the Loire Valley.  Certified since 2010, they are all in on the biodynamic farming.  Proprietor Guillaume says, "We consider our 18-hectare area as a living being, the cultivated soil and the surrounding air become the energy base of the vine. Our goal is to provide the plant the best possible environment to grow.”  We love it when he talks dirt like this. 

And the best part is that the wines reflect this passion for the vineyards.   Like this fresh, fun Cab Franc, which is classic Saumur but leans more crunchy raspberry/brambly forest berry than green spice.  Light and earthy with silky tannins, this is a perfect everyday wine for pairing with tacos, veggie-forward dishes and even salmon.   We love it with a slight chill.