2022 Frantz Saumon Menu Pineau/Romorantin, 750ml

Frantz Saumon established his own domaine in 2002 after studying with the influential ‘vin natural’ wine mind Christian Chaussard of Domaine le Briseau. Seven years ago he planted these two grape varieties in the town of Azay by massale selection (a method of propagating new vine material from cuttings of a designated special old vine)  At one point, Menu Pineau was the most planted grape in the larger region of Touraine but now, both grapes are rarely seen outside the small village of Cour-Cheverny!

The beauty of Menu Pineau is it’s silky texture and weight without heaviness, this variety gets ripe without ever reaching an alcohol over 12% or so. Then the profound, soul shaking and baritone vibration of Romorantin, buzzing with minerality, when made in a thoughtful style like this is a wine, will simultaneously melt and tingle in the mouth.