2020 Jean-Pierre Robinot Fêtembulles
WINEMAKER: Jean-Pierre Robinot
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
This is a fine example of the wine genre known as Petillant Naturels – wines that are fermented once in the bottle and then sometimes disgorged to release the dead yeast and sometimes not, depending on the winemaker. This wine has been disgorged after being aged for 12 months in the bottle and topped up with the same wine. It is made from 100% Chenin Blanc that has had no dosage (added sugar), therefore is quite dry. The 2020 version of this wine is incredibly delicious with fine bubbles and a superb, lingering finish, reflecting the careful aging that the wine has undergone. Clear and bright in the glass, this pet nat is a treat for anyone who appreciates this genre of wine.
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.