Grolleau Catherine/Pierre Breton 2021

Grolleau Catherine/Pierre Breton, 100% Grolleau, natural production, made with carbonic maceration to maximise the aromas of fresh strawberry.  This delightful low abv (11%) red has immense freshness and drinkability.  The 20 year old Grolleau vines produce grapes ideal for this style.  The fermentation is using carbonic maceration.  There is no real maturation and they bottle the wine early.  This is what we call perfect picnic wine.  Crunchy, fresh red fruits, strawberry and cranberry and a light peppery note.  Delicious stuff.

Catherine and Pierre Breton have been running their biodynamic wine estate just north of Restigné since 1997.

In total Catherine and Pierre Breton own around 15 hectares of vines in the areas of Bourgeuil and Chinon.  Their wines are natural all the way and represent their respect for the land.  The viticulture is scrupulously natural, avoiding all chemical fertilisers and weed killers.  They restrict yields to approximately 40-45 hl/ha (although some cuvées are below 35 hl/ha).  They naturally harvest by hand.

In the cellars, the grapes are treated according to terroir.  The gravelly soils go into stainless steel vats.  The grapes from clay-limestone vineyards are fermented in old oak vats.  Only indigenous yeasts are used.  Theydon;t filter at all.  Sulphur is severely restricted with most cuvées receiving only 10 mg/l at bottling.  Their reds are excellent, but the dry Vouvray is one of our favourite expressions of Chenin and represents outstanding value for money.