Natural Loire Valley Reds And a Bubble
What is Natural vs Organic vs Biodynamic? A confusing topic for sure.
But the short story is organic wines are in the farming. Just like other fruits grown without pesticides and such… Where Biodynamic is much more cerebral, following the lunar cycle and other pagan attributes. (I’m serious… follow the second link to “cow horn manure or preparation 500”!!!). And most of those wines fall into a “Natural” category because they are low intervention - let mother nature do most of the work - type of practices.
This week we will try three “Natty” (Natural) reds - and one bubble from the Loire Valley, France! So keep an open mind, and an experimental palate!
Here’s some links to further study. If you dare….
What is the Difference between Organic and Biodynamic wines?
@ Humble Vine
April 12th
2-8 PM
Wine Tasting: $20
B & P Lambert, “Blanc de Noirs Bulles” Chinon, Loire Valley $25
Certified biodynamic since 2012. Their draft-horse Isis plows the rows between the vines. Changing different cover crops to assist in the uptake of the biodynamic preparations while adding back nutrients for the following season. They closely follow the lunar cycle from vineyard to cellar, followed by racking and bottling according to the lunar cycles as well. 100% Chinon Cabernet Franc. This bubble is amazing. Clean and crisp, bold and refined.
Le Croizillon, Cahor Malbec, Loire Valley $19
Malbec from Cahor is light and earthy. You can taste the berries more than the wine maker practices. This is an easy drinking and fresh style of Malbec that can be enjoyed ypung. Lots of juicy fresh raspberry, pomegranate and juicy blackberry fruit with a smooth and supple mouthfeel. Biodynamic.
Les Errances, “Cartouche”, Loire Valley $24
A fresh and light-bodied dry red made by two winemakers who met in business school. This decidedly not so corporate Grolleau comes from 60 year-old vines, and spent 12 months on the lees in used barriques. Unfiltered and no added sulfur. Cab Franc/Grolleau. Organic
Tete Rouge, K Sa Tete, Loire Valley $29
100% Pineau d'Aunis is fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks and spends 6 months in used oak barrels before bottling. Distinct peppery, licorice and floral notes and a light-to-medium weight palate. Biodynamic.
