2020 Jean-Pierre Robinot Concerto di Venezia

WINEMAKER: Jean-Pierre Robinot
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Pineau d'Aunis
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

This is a new cuvée for the Robinot family and it reflects the obsession that Jean-Pierre has long had with the lights and sights of the city of Venice. Much of the photography that graces his labels has been carried out in this wonderful city. This wine adds to the stable of wines made from Pineau d’Aunis that are produced by the Robinot family. The fact that the label sports l’Opera des Vins this means that the grapes have been purchased elsewhere. In this case the grapes were grown by well-known Loire organic and biodynamic producer Philippe Tessier in Cheverny.

The grapes underwent whole bunch fermentation and were then pressed and transferred to the famous Robinot aged barrels for around fifteen months. There is a real spiciness on the nose that is typical of Pineau d’Aunis and there is the characteristic slight bitterness at the end which is so endearing. The tannins in this wine are restrained and there is a streak of acidity which will ensure that the wine will continue to provide pleasure for a number of years. The alcohol is a pleasant 12.5%.

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.