Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Le Fondis 2016, Domaine Amirault

An almost Pinot Noir like elegance and delicacy in this regal and expressive version of old vine Cabernet Franc. A delicious amalgam of rich fruit, attractive aromatics and fresh balancing minerality and acidity. A class act.

Le Fondis vineyard is in close proximity to the Loire river with a southern exposure, this gives it a specific microclimate unique to this area. The winemaking process is a very `hands off` affair; the grapes are put straight into 500l oak barrels (not new oak) and fermentation is through the natural yeasts only – nothing is added. The resulting wine is complex with mature red fruits, spicy, earthy notes and a mineral character from the deep gravel over clay soils. Very long on the finish with an elegant acidity.