Bellivière 2022 Coteaux du Loir "Rouge Gorge"

The 2022 "Rouge Gorge" is from 10 to 50 year-old Pineau d'Aunis vines on clay/silex over Turonian limestone in 13 small parcels of high-density plantings in the Coteaux du Loir. Fermentation with pigeage in vat, malo in barrique, aging in large barrels on the lees for one year, minimal SO2 added before bottling, aging potential 10 to 15 years. The nose is unmistakably Aunis, with this combination of wild cherry & crushed strawberry, black and pink peppercorn, fern, citrus and rose. The palate is dense and very chalky with ripe plum and peppery black cherry with savory undertones of fennel, caraway and brown spice. The tanins are chalky, the gentle aging in older barrels making them more velvety, but always there in the texture, with very firm acidity, limestone and dense red fruits in the long finish. 2022 is a great vintage for Loire reds and for this unique and quite distinctive wine! Highly recommended.