Anjou Rouge Violette Clau de Nell 2021

The Anjou Rouge “Violette” by Clau de Nell is a wine originating from the northwest of France, in the Anjou appellation, particularly in the municipality of Ambillou-Château, a few kilometers south of the Loire. The winery was founded in 2006 from the passion of Anne-Claude Leflaive and her husband for the world of wine, with the help of two microbiologists, Claude and Lyfia Bourguignon, experts in soil composition. The property initially included about twenty hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, to which white grape varieties were added to complete the range of production. In 2009, with the addition of Sylvain Potin to the team, the vineyards began to be cultivated following a biodynamic regime in respect of natural cycles.

The grapes of the Anjou Rouge “Violette” by Clau de Nell are a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards about 60 years old and some centenarians. The soil is mainly composed of clay, flint and tuff that give the wines intensity. The climate is oceanic with dry summers and not excessively high temperatures; winters are mild thanks to the oceanic influence, but humid and windy. Once harvested, the grapes are macerated for 20 days; fermentation is conducted with indigenous yeasts and pressing is gentle to respect the raw material.

The “Violette” Anjou Rouge by Clau de Nell presents itself in the glass with a bright ruby red color. On the nose, it shows hints of berries such as blackberries and raspberries, but also spices and licorice root; the palate is marked by a robust and powerful character, balanced by freshness, liveliness, and a pleasant tannin. It pairs excellently with red meats such as lamb, but also at the end of a meal with a bold pairing with cheeses. Interesting also with first courses with meat-based sauces. An interesting meditation wine that can become a good companion during slow and relaxing winter evenings, but also on the festive table to sip a product that is the result of the work and passion of people who love to enhance the raw materials they have.