Anjou Cabernet Franc Clau de Nell 2021

The Anjou Cabernet Franc from the Clau de Nell winery represents a pure and exquisite expression of the Loire, born from biodynamic production philosophy. The Domaine Clau de Nell was established by the promising biodynamic winemakers Claude and Nell Pichard, from whom the name derives. However, in 2008 the winery found itself on the brink of bankruptcy, and only the intervention of Anne Claude Leflaive, owner of the famous Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy, and her husband Christian Jacques, in search of promising artisanal production realities in the Loire, saved it. Of the over 10 hectares of vineyards available to the winery, Cabernet Franc occupies as much as 5, demonstrating the intimate relationship between the grape variety and the region.

Clau de Nell Anjou Cabernet Franc is made from the namesake variety worked in purity. The vines, aged between 45 and 55 years, are rooted in clay-siliceous soils rich in gravel, red flint, and limestone and are managed following the principles of certified biodynamic agriculture, with agronomic operations carried out according to the lunar calendar. When the grapes have reached perfect ripeness are carefully selected, hand-picked into small boxes, and then transferred to the winery where they are destemmed and placed in maceration for 30 days without forced extractions, with spontaneous alcoholic fermentation. Once this phase of the winemaking process is completed, the must is drained, and the pomace is gently pressed. Aging takes place on the fine lees for 18 months in small Burgundy barrels of 228 liters of fifth and seventh passage, and the wine is finally bottled without undergoing any clarification or filtration.

The Anjou Cabernet Franc Clau de Nell is a brilliant ruby red. The nose, broad and crisp, opens with notes of red fruits and flowers that blend with balsamic, spicy, and peppery hints. The sip is fresh, juicy, and with velvety tannins, characterized by harmonious spicy and vegetal sensations.