2023 Jean-Pierre Robinot 'Les Années Folles' Pét-Nat

Producer: Robinot  |  Region: Loire Valley  |  Type: Pet- Nat

About The Wine

This lovely Petillant Naturel wine is usually made from two of the favourite grape varieties of the central Loire region around the city of Tours, namely Chenin Blanc (60%) and Pineau d’Aunis (40%). However, for this vintage, they have used only their precious Pineau d’Aunis.

The Pineau d’Aunis, is a highly sought-after grape variety that is found on the north side of the Loire River roughly between the towns Orléans and Angers. It is an amazing grape variety which provides complexity and a very slight bitterness at the end.

The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Jasnieres appellation but they do not seek endorsement from the appellation committee, preferring to label the wine as Vin de France.

This wine is very delicious and has almost an onion skin colour from the Pineau d’Aunis grapes. The alcohol content is a very pleasant 10%.

However this doesn’t detract from the trademark complexity and depth of flavour of wines produced by Jean-Pierre. It has a fine bead and lasts for a long time on the back palate. A very complex pet nat!

About Jean-Pierre Robinot

Jean-Pierre Robinot, a legendary winemaker in his 70s, operates in the Loire Valley with his wife Noella and daughter Juliette. Their wines are featured in top wine bars across Paris, Copenhagen, and New York.

Before winemaking, Robinot ran one of Paris's first natural wine bars (l'Ange Vin) and co-founded the influential magazine Rouge et Blanc. In 2000, he returned to his childhood village of Chahaignes, purchasing 7 hectares across 10 parcels near Tours and Le Mans.

The family grows Chenin Blanc and the rare local variety Pinot d'Aunis, which produces spicy, herbal wines similar in weight to Pinot Noir. They ferment naturally (sometimes over a year) in ancient hillside cellars, aging wines in old barrels for up to 5+ years until perfectly ready.

They operate two labels: Les Vignes de l'Ange Vin (from their own organic/biodynamic vineyards) and L'Opera des Vins (from like-minded grower friends). Their patient approach to winemaking, refusing to rush wines to market, consistently produces exceptional results.

Snapshot

Region:  Loire Valley

Country: France

Alcohol: 10%

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml

Closure: Crown Seal

Varieties: Pineau d'Aunis

Style: Pétillant Naturel