La Grange aux Belles 2024 La Chaussée Rouge 1.5L Mag

La Chaussée Rouge is a blend of majority Cabernet Sauvignon (around 60%) with Cabernet Franc and Grolleau (a local Loire varietal) grown on black schist soils, and named after the vineyard site, a battleground in the War of the Vendée. The grapes are hand-harvested before fermenting as whole clusters in fiberglass, undergoing full carbonic maceration. The wine is a blend of free run juice and pressed juices that ages 6 months before bottling. "We're trying to make Poulsard!" says winemaker Marc Houtin. It's bright and energetic, with crunchy red fruit and zippy acidity, incredibly fresh and uplifting. There are hints of herbs and enough punchy fruit to make it a fun, juicy light red that does well with a chill. Perfect for holiday feasts and even better in a mag!