2019 Jean-Pierre Robinot Prélude

WINEMAKER: Jean-Pierre Robinot
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Cabernet Franc
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

This is a new wine for the Robinot family and one with a difference. This year the Robinot family has decided to make a red wine from a grape other than Pineau d’Aunis. This one is made from Cabernet Franc using grapes they purchased from their friend Jean-François Chéné. As you could also probably guess, this is no ordinary Cab Franc, but rather a silky gem that lingers on the palate for ages. It is light yet full of flavour, elegant yet robust. It was matured in old barrels for two years prior to bottling.

Not many winemakers have a cult following much like Robinot. After falling in love with wine at 22 years of age over a bottle of 1964 Cheval Blanc, Jean-Pierre soon opened one of Paris' first natural wine bars (L’Ange Vin), followed by creating one of France's most influential wine magazines (Le Rouge et le Blanc). Eventually leaving Paris to buy a vineyard with his wife Noella, the wines of Robinot are some of the most highly sought after in the world. Long, natural ferments, extended élevage, both sometimes years, always without additions of any kind. Super limited.