Roche Bleue 2022 Coteaux du Loir La Guinguette

(Arrives 9/4) Sébastien Cornille's lovely 2022 "Guinguette" is made principally from Pineau d’Aunis, with Gamay, sourced from 30+year-old vines in organic/biodynamic farming. Fairly short maceration, native yeasts, semi-carbonic fermentation of whole bunches and destemmed grapes according to the “millefeuille” principle. The 2022 Guinguette is a superb "vin de soif" offering bright aromas of peppery raspberry, cherry and violets, quite ripe and generous in this warm vintage. The palate shows light but sappy raspberry, plum and red currant fruit with chalky minerals, spice and citrus. The finish is long and refreshing. Serve this lovely wine slightly chilled with charcuterie, of course, grilled pork and lamb, bluefish (?) and mild cow cheeses. -David Lillie

Surprisingly vibrant and bright acidity for such a warm vintage, showing a fruity nose of berries and cherries with baking spice and a lively body with crunchy cherries and zesty currants. Exactly the kind of wine to drink on a riverside barge whilst dancing to accordion music and nibbling on cheese and charcuterie... a French Guinguette! -Giselle Hamburg