Ancestral Julien Courtois 2015

Ancestral Julien Courtois, biodynamic wine, Cot, Gamay, rich and textured natural wine. It is amazingly rich and full of body and depth for a Loire red wine. Ancestral is the most serious of his red wines in terms of structure and weight. But the characteristic freshness and acidity is still there and the wine is so elegant it can be drunk young alone or with a few years in bottle. It is a perfect match to red meat, game and stews. The 2014 vintage was magnificent and the reds and whites have added depth and finesse, this is perfect now but will age very well.

Julien Courtois, following in his father Claude's footsteps, created his own vineyard, Le Clos de la Bruyère, in 1998.

Based in Soings en Sologne, the 4.5 hectare domain is run by Julien and his girlfriend, Heidi. They work with seven varieties of grapes, including an ungrafted Menu Pineau, planted in 1978, which is used to make the Originel wine. They adhere strictly to the principle of making wines from low-yield vineyards, so the wines can be as concentrated as possible. Their work is guided by the natural rhythms of nature, and all the work takes place by hand. Chemical treatments are eschewed in favour of plant-based remedies. “We make wines that are different, natural and rich from the values provided by a sane wine-making process,” Julien explains. “Whether in the vineyards or in the cellar, wines are made without any chemical products, which gives them a unique and singular taste.” Tasting his wines is one of those rare wine experiences which make you feel privileged to be tasting something special produced by someone unique.