About The Wine
Lumière de Silex is a négoce wine (one made using purchased grapes) hence the different name (l’Opera des Vins). Wines made with their own grapes are labelled Les Vignes de l’Ange Vin by the Robinot family.
The signature time-lapsed photography on the label (which John-Pierre took at night in New York) is as vibrant and energetic as the wine!
The Chenin Blanc grapes were purchased from organic grower Damien Bureau from the Anjou region where Chenin thrives in the shale soils.
This is a wonderful example of Chenin Blanc that lasts for ages in the mouth and exhibits all the minerality and energy that we expect from a wine that has been made from grapes that have not been subjected to systemic sprays.
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: 12%
Vintage: 2022
Size: 750ml
Closure: Cork
Varieties: Chenin Blanc
