Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC — 2019
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Vineyard Profile
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Soil: Silty-clay terroir, consisting of sandstone grit and red flint on tuffeau (limestone)
Surface area: 5 hectares (12.35 acres)
Age of vines: 35-45 years
Pruning: Guyot Mixte pruning system
Cultivation: Covering the vine stock with soil in autumn, plowing-down in spring, tilling and allowing natural grass to grow between the rows; biodynamic practices include infusions and plant decoctions applied to the vineyards according to the lunar calendar. Certified 100% Biodynamic
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Vintage Report
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The 2018-2019 winter was rather light in rain quantity and mild. When it was followed by a hotter than usual Spring, the vineyard ended up waking up very early with budbreak happening end of March. A few cold episodes slowed down the progress of the vine and on April 4, the frost hit the vines and impacted mostly the early chenin and reducing the yield by half. The summer was particularly dry and hot and if it wasn’t for the clay in our soil, the vine could have suffered even more. A very bright and warm end of season in September and October allowed the vines to finish their ripening in ideal condition, bringing fruits with concentration and a great freshness.
- Harvest Date(s): Cabernet Franc harvested between October 7-11 hand-picked in 12-kilogram (26-pound) boxes and sorted in the vineyard
- Yields: 40 hectoliters/hectare (2.9 tons/acres)
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Vinification
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Destemmed grapes were fermented using native yeasts; average of 30 days maceration without extraction; gentle cap punching; limited pump-overs; and infusion techniques at temperatures of 18 C to 25 C (64 F to 77 F). Slow and gentle pressing in a pneumatic press.
- Aging: 12 months on fine lees in French oak casks, used five times before, aged in ancient troglodyte cellars cut into the limestone hillside on the property, followed by 6months in a stainless steel vat
- Bottled: Bottled without filtration or fining on May 11, 2021, a “fruit day”
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Images
Reviews
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Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
“An elegant, firmly structured red, featuring fresh red currant, smoked meat and dusty herbs driven by salty, tangy acidity. Reveals crushed tobacco leaf and black tea that add nice range, with an iodine spine providing shape.”