2018 Coteaux du Loir Rouge Rouge-Gorge

Entirely based on Pineau d'Aunis from 10- to 50-year old vines sourced from three communes, or 14 parcels, and with yields kept at 25 hectoliters per hectare at maximum, the 2018 Coteaux du Loir le Rouge-Gorge opens with a unique floral, spicy and remarkably concentrated yet pure and fresh nose with red fruit and plummy aromas along with fine nougat notes. Fermented in cuves but aged in small barrels for 12 months, this is a fresh and fruity, ripe and somewhat reductive red with CO2 still on the palate and some leathery aromas that make me think of rural, old-style Dolcetto red wines from Piedmont. The finish is still a bit astringent when poured straight from the bottle, but the wine becomes softer with air. Nonetheless, this is a rather rustic but charismatic wine. Tasted in April 2021.