2020 Jean-Pierre Robinot Lumière des Sens

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

Pineau d’Aunis is a native grape of the area around the city of Tours in the Loire Valley. While it is little known outside this area, it is a grape variety that can be used to create exciting red wines of great complexity and interest. This lovely Pineau d’Aunis comes from vines from the Rouillé vineyard that flourish in soils of red and yellow clay as well as calcareous silex in the Jasnieres appellation even though Robinot has not applied for appellation status.

We just love Pineau d’Aunis! It has spice notes (think white pepper, cloves, star anise) and some herbal characters at the end making quite a complex yet light and drinkable at the same time. It is rapidly becoming one of our favourite grapes especially when you find profound examples such as this. There is no sulphur added at any time during the winemaking process and the vines are certified organic by Ecocert. It is not aged for as long as the Camille, so is perfect for immediate drinking. It is a light and joyful wine that still has structure and complexity from the purity of the fruit and the barrel ageing it receives.

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.