2020 Jean-Pierre Robinot Charme

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

The Charme is a lovely Chenin Blanc that has been matured in old oak barrels. Old oak is used by the vast majority of natural winemakers because the old barrels no longer impart that overpowering vanilla flavour to the wine. Instead, they allow a little oxygen to reach the wine ensuring that it will last longer in the bottle. This wine is absolutely intriguing! The Charme vineyard is over 40 years old and was bought by Jean-Pierre and Noella about ten years ago in the Jasnieres district. The soils are quite chalky and this is reflected in the wine. The oxidative treatment of the wine by Jean-Pierre ensures that the wine will last for a very, very long time. Expect this one to last for fifty years or more! The 2020 Charme has reflected the season and ranks at 12% alcohol, therefore is ideal as a wine to accompany foods.

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.