2021 Domaine Jean-Yves Millaire 'Loupiot'

Region: St. Emillon < Bordeaux < France        

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic by Ecocert & Biodynamic by Demeter; limestone clay soils full of tiny fossilized oysters; stainless steel fermentation then pumped to neutral barrel; aged in stainless steel; bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added So2; zero-zero;  13% ABV

Winemaker: Jean-Yves + Christine Millaire

The history of Domaine Jean-Yves Millaire begins in the 1950’s when Jean-Yves’ grandfather acquired several vineyard plots in the Fronsac and Canon Fronsac appellations on the right bank of the Dordogne River in Bordeaux. In 1998, after decades of leasing the vineyards to other winegrowers, Jean-Yves took over the family domaine, and along with his wife Christine, they now passionately cultivate 45 hectares of vines across 3 different appellations. The vineyard work is rooted in biodynamics, a holistic farming approach to which Jean-Yves and Christine credit for the authentic expression of terroir in their wines.  Vinification takes place naturally with indigenous yeasts in concrete and oak tanks, and undergoes aging in barrels, foudre and amphora, and the wines are always bottled unfined and unfiltered -- a very natural, hands-off approach that is somewhat rare in Bordeaux.

Rare like this 'Loupiot', a unique take on Bordeaux that channels Right Bank in a lighter, fresher package. No simple Vin de Soif, there are layers of complexity here: fruity and round, with a boatload of crunchy, spicy (coriander? cinnamon!), brambly black fruit and some earthy, grounding forest floor.  Delightful with a slight chill, it goes great with all kinds of food (BBQ, tacos, burgers!)

OPTIONAL, BUT WE ENJOY IT SLIGHTLY CHILLED