Cheverny "Veilleurs" (Red) 2019

This is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir, 20% Gamay and 5% Malbec (Côt). A dense palate of black currant and dried cranberry with spicy and pepper notes. A bit smoky on the finish, with lively acidity and silky tannins.

Domaine de Veilloux is a small estate in a quiet part to the Loire Valley near Cheverny. It has been a family owned the estate since the French Revolution, and was taken over by Michel and Sylviane Quenioux in 1994. Michel, a firm believer in the health and environmental benefits of organic and biodynamic farming, implemented these practices from the start and obtained their certification in 1998. The domain now includes just over 25 hectares, all of which are grown using sustainable, organic methods. The red grapes are Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Côt, and all of the red wines are blends of some of those.

Vinification: Vines aged from 20 to 40 years-old grown on clay and limestone soils. Grapes are hand-picked at low yields (30 hl/ha), totally destemmed then macerated in concrete vats for 4 to 7 weeks. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged in old barrels for one year. It is bottled with no fining and a light filtration.

Match it with: Roast pork, vegetable tagine, spicy sausages, grilled game bird.