2020 Domaine de la Chevalerie Franco de Porc

WINEMAKER: Laurie, Emmanuel & Stéphanie Caslot
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETY: Cabernet Franc
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic

Franco de Porc, this is the domaine’s vin de soif, made from vines growing in gravelly, sandy, and clay-sandy soils. The élevage is in concrete vats. Light maceration—the intent is to have an easy, supple wine. Franco de porc from "Chevalerie" refers to a medieval tax. It's a fee that knights had to pay to their lords, typically in the form of pigs or money. The term highlights the economic obligations and feudal relationships in the medieval period between knights and their lords.

"This little-known domaine makes some of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the world." – Rajat Parr & Jordan Mackay, The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste (2018)

Domaine de la Chevalerie is a leading name in the Bourgueil appellation. The property lies in the commune of Restigné, directly beside Bourgueil, and has been owned by the Caslot family for 14 generations. It is currently run by Laurie and Emmanuel who took over the reins from their father Pierre. The 38 hectares of vineyard are certified organic and biodynamic. Winemaking is as low intervention and natural as possible, using indigenous yeasts during the gentle fermentation process, and keeping sulphites to a minimum. The wines are clean, deep, and very drinkable and cover the full spectrum from fruity, easy-drinking wines through to more complex and structured fine wines with good ageing potential.